Comparative effects of xylazine and acepromazine on some haematological parameters and serum electrolytes in dogs.

摘要

Ten dogs in Nigeria presented for routine orthopaedic radiographic examinations were sedated with 0.1 mg/kg 0.5% acepromazine maleate (Calmivet) or 2.0 mg/kg 2% xylazine hydrochloride (Chanazine) after premedication with 0.04 mg/kg 0.1% atropine sulfate. Blood parameters were determined before and immediately after radiographic examination under sedation. It was shown that haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocyte count significantly decreased and platelet count significantly increased in the acepromazine group. There were no significant differences in erythrocyte and leukocyte morphology in both groups. Both drugs tended to decrease cation levels but there were no significant differences in serum electrolytes, creatinine and anion gaps in both groups. These results show that xylazine has minimal effects on the haematobiochemical parameters of dogs compared to acepromazine.