Xylazine in Yin Tang acupoint for sedation of dogs and cats

Abstract

Xylazine is a myorelaxant with sedative and analgesic effects that can be used in dogs and cats. The acupuncture point denominated Yin Tang has sedative effects when stimulated on animals. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate if xylazine in subdoses administered to dogs and cats in the Yin Tang acupoint has sedative effects as well as the therapeutic dose. Six dogs and six cats were used. The study comprised of four steps. In the first step (S1), the therapeutic dose was administered intramuscularly (IM). Second step (S2) was performed using one-tenth (1/10) of the dose used in S1 intramuscularly. In the third step (S3), the xylazine was applied in the acupoint Yin Tang, at the same dose used in S2. In the fourth stage (S4), physiological solution was administered in Yin Tang acupoint in the same volume administered in S3. The presence or absence of decubitus, somnolence, and other signs indicative of sedation were investigated in all steps and all animals. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05). It was concluded that xylazine administered in subdoses in the Yin Tang acupoint in dogs and cats promotes sedation similar to the therapeutic dose administered intramuscularly.