Beef

Clinical Study to Assess the Level of Consciousness/General Anesthesia Following the Administration of High Doses of Xylazine Hydrochloride in Cattle

Authors: Reneé D. Dewell (Iowa State University) , Luciana Bergamasco (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) , Christopher K. Kelly (Iowa State University) , Jan K. Shearer (Iowa State University) , Grant A. Dewell (Iowa State University)

Abstract

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

Keywords: Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine

How to Cite: Dewell, R. D. , Bergamasco, L. , Kelly, C. K. , Shearer, J. K. & Dewell, G. A. (2014) “Clinical Study to Assess the Level of Consciousness/General Anesthesia Following the Administration of High Doses of Xylazine Hydrochloride in Cattle”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report. 11(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1134