The use of sheep in experiments is widespread and is increasing worldwide, and so is the need to develop species-specific anaesthetic techniques to ensure animal safety. Previous studies have mentioned several protocols involving the administration of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists in sheep; however, assessment of the efficacy and safety of these infusion techniques is still relatively new. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of detomidine constant rate infusion (CRI) in sheep by measuring the cardiovascular and respiratory parameters, blood gas variables and sedation scores. Eight adult female Santa Inês sheep received 20 µg/kg of detomidine hydrochloride intravenously as a bolus loading dose, followed by an infusion rate of 60 µg/kg/h. The heart rates and respiratory rates changed continuously during the CRI period. No arrhythmias were observed. The reduction in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO) was not significant, but one animal showed signs of hypoxaemia (minimum PaO of 66.9 mmHg). The arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO) increased, but the animals did not become hypercapnic. The bicarbonate (HCO), pH and base excess (BE) tended towards metabolic alkalosis. The cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI) and ejection fraction (EF%) showed no significant changes. The fractional shortening (FS%) decreased slightly, starting at T. Sedation scores varied between 3 (0/10) after sedation and during recovery and 7 (0/10) during CRI. We concluded that administering detomidine at an infusion rate of 60 µg/kg/h in Santa Inês sheep is a simple technique that produces satisfactory sedation for minimally invasive procedures.

Background The analgesic and cardiorespiratory effects of ketamine, fentanyl, or ketamine-fentanyl constant rate infusion (CRI) in dogs undergoing mastectomy were evaluated. Seventeen female dogs received CRI of ketamine (GK [n = 6]: bolus 0.5 mg/kg; CRI 20 µg/kg/min in intra- and postoperative periods], fentanyl (GF [n = 5]: bolus 20 µg/kg; intraoperative CRI 5 20 µg/kg/hour and postoperative CRI 2 20 µg/kg/hour), or combination of ketamine-fentanyl (GKF [n = 6]: aforementioned doses) for 8 h. Cardiorespiratory, blood gas analyses, plasma drug concentrations, sedation score (SS), Pain Scores were evaluated. Results The heart rate decreased in the GF and GKF (p < 0.04); the mean arterial pressure was lower in the GKF than in the GK at 35 min (p < 0.001). Maximum plasma concentrations were observed 5 min after bolus in the GK (2847.06 ± 2903.03 ng/mL) and GKF (2811.20 ± 1931.76 ng/mL). Plasma concentration in intraoperative period of ketamine was of > 100 ng/mL in 5/5 and 2/5 animals in the GKF and GK, respectively; and > 1.1 ng/mL of fentanyl in 4/5 and 3/5 in GKF and GF, respectively. Conclusion Ketamine with/without fentanyl provided analgesia without significant cardiorespiratory and guaranteed the minimal plasma levels with analgesic potential during the 8 h.