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. 2009 Oct 1;11(10):829–834. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.03.009

Thermal antinociception after dexmedetomidine administration in cats: A comparison between intramuscular and oral transmucosal administration

Louisa S Slingsby 1, Polly M Taylor 2, Taylor Monroe 3
PMCID: PMC11135503  PMID: 19577498

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine 40 μg/kg was administered either intramuscularly (IM) or oral transmucosally (OTM) to 12 cats in a randomised cross-over study. Thermal nociceptive thresholds and visual analogue scale (VAS) sedation scores were obtained before and at regular intervals up to 24 h after test drug administration.

The summary measures of overall mean threshold, overall mean VAS sedation plus onset, offset and duration of analgesia were investigated using a univariate general linear model. There were no significant differences between treatment groups. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation: delta T mean increase over time (IM 6°C±3°C, OTM 6°C±2°C); overall mean VAS (IM 43±9 OTM 39±1); onset (IM 35±32 and OTM 30±40 min); offset (IM 96±56 and OTM 138±135 min); duration (IM 61±47 OTM 99±124 min). Dexmedetomidine is well absorbed through the oral mucosa in cats since OTM and IM administration of dexmedetomidine 40 μg/kg produced similar overall sedative and antinociceptive effects.

Contributor Information

Louisa S. Slingsby, School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS 40 5DU, UK  Louisa.Slingsby@bristol.ac.uk

Polly M. Taylor, School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS 40 5DU, UK

Taylor Monroe, Gravel Head Farm, Downham Common, Little Downham, Nr Ely, Cambs CB6 2TY, UK.

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