Clinical study to assess the level of unconsciousness in cattle fallowing the administration of high doses of xylazine hydrochloride

Authors

  • R. D. Dewell Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
  • L. L. Bergamasco Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
  • C. K. Kelly Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
  • J. K. Shearer Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
  • G. A. Dewell Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20134197

Keywords:

controlled drugs, anesthesia, potassium chloride, humane euthanasia, xylazine hydrochloride, overdose

Abstract

Achieving anesthesia without DEA controlled drugs prior to administration of IV potassium chloride (KCl) is a limiting factor for humane euthanasia. The use of an overdose of xylazine hydrochloride (XH) is thought by some practitioners to induce unconsciousness and is commonly administered prior to IV KCl injection. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of unconsciousness achieved from an overdose of XH in cattle.

Cover image of the 46th Conference Proceedings: An image of cattle standing in a field during th day. They are looking rather indignantly at the camera. Yellow background.

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Published

2013-09-19

Issue

2013

Section

Research Summaries 4