Reversal of xylazine-induced sedation in llamas, using doxapram or 4-aminopyridine and yohimbine

Abstract

For each of 3 separate evaluations, 6 fasted llamas (Lama glama) were sedated with xylazine (1.1 mg/kg of body weight, IV) and then 15 minutes later were given normal saline solution (5.0 ml, IV; control values), doxapram (2.2 mg/kg, IV), or 4-amino-pyridine (0.3 mg/kg, IV) and yohimbine (0.125 mg/kg, IV). After administration of 4-aminopyridine and yohimbine, the llamas stood in a mean of 11 minutes and resumed eating in a mean of 34 minutes; both means were significantly less (P less than 0.05) than control values (46 minutes and 67 minutes, respectively). Doxapram induced muscle fasciculations, and (compared with control values) did not significantly decrease the time to standing (41 minutes) or the time until the animals resumed eating (68 minutes). Yohimbine and 4-aminopyridine in combination rapidly antagonized xylazine-induced sedation in llamas, whereas doxapram was ineffective as an antagonist of xylazine-induced sedation.