Reversal of sedative and clinicophysiological effects of epidural xylazine and detomidine with atipamezole and yohimbine in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

The sedative and clinicophysiological effects of either xylazine (0.1 mg/kg) or detomidine (50 micrograms/kg) administered epidurally to groups of five buffaloes were reversed by the intravenous administration of either yohimbine (0.125 mg/kg) or atipamezole (10 micrograms/kg). Epidural xylazine or detomidine produced bradycardia, respiratory depression, ruminal stasis and hypothermia and these effects were completely reversed within five to 15 minutes after the intravenous administration of atipamezole or yohimbine, with no signs of excitement or resedation. Atipamezole reversed the effects of xylazine or detomidine more rapidly than yohimbine.