Evaluation of 4-aminopyridine for the reversal of xylazine sedation in goats

Abstract

An assessment of the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on xylazine-induced sedation in goats was done. Twelve small clinically healthy East African goats were used. The goats were randomly divided into two groups of six animals. Xylazine was administered intramuscularly (IM) at 0.44mg/kg. Group 1 goats were given 1ml water for injection intravenously (IV) and served as the controls. Group 2 goats were given 0.15 percent 40AP at 0.4 mg/kg IV and served as the test group. The heart rates, respiratory rates, rates of ruminal movements, the standing times, total recovery times, pain sensation, pedal as well as the palpebral reflexes and the recovery phenomena were assessed. There was a faster return to near normal values of heart rates, respiratory rates, rates of ruminal movements, sensation to pain and re-appearance of reflexes in the 4-AP treated goats compared with the controls. The mean standing times (MST) and mean total recovery times (MTRT) were significantly reduced (P<0.05). However, 4-AP produced rough recovery phenomena that were undesirable. The results indicated that 4-AP is a potent reversal agent for sedation caused by xylazine in goats.