Clinical observations on medetomidine/ketamine anaesthesia in sheep and its reversal by atipamezole

Abstract

Medetomidine (25 μg/kg) and ketamine (1mg/kg) were administered intramuscularly to anaesthetise 13 sheep for experimental oral surgery. Anaesthesia was characterised by good muscle relaxation and tachypnoea. Heart rates were not significantly different from those recorded before administration of the anaesthetic agents. Spontaneous recovery from anaesthesia was allowed in five sheep. In eight sheep atipamezole, at a total dose of 125 μg/kg, divided and administered both intravenously and intramuscularly, hastened return to full awareness.