Evaluation and comparison of xylazine hydrochloride and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for the induction of emesis in cats: 47 cases (2007-2013).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare i.m. administration of xylazine hydrochloride and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for the induction of emesis in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 47 cats with a history of suspected ingestion of a toxic substance or foreign material between June 2007 and June 2013. PROCEDURES: Data collected for analysis from the medical records included signalment, drug dose and route of administration, whether a repeated dose of the emetic agent was administered, and outcome (emesis, yes or no). RESULTS: Cats in the 2 treatment groups did not differ with regard to age, sex, or breed distribution. The range of doses of xylazine administered i.m. was 0.36 to 0.64 mg/kg (0.16 to 0.29 mg/lb). The range of doses of dexmedetomidine administered i.m. was 6 to 18 μg/kg (2.7 to 8.2 μg/lb). A repeated dose of xylazine or dexmedetomidine was given to 3 and 1 cats, respectively. Emesis was successfully induced in 24 of the 47 (51.1%) cats. Nine of the 21 (43%) cats that received xylazine vomited and 15 of the 26 (58%) cats that received dexmedetomidine vomited. Percentage of cats that vomited after either drug administration did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Following i.m. administration in cats, xylazine and dexmedetomidine were similarly effective for induction of emesis, indicating that dexmedetomidine is a comparable alternative to xylazine for this purpose. Prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal i.m. dose of dexmedetomidine for induction of emesis in cats.