Evaluation of the efficacy of different sedative doses of dexmedetomidine on the intestinal motility in clinically healthy donkeys (Equus asinus)

Abstract Background: The gastrointestinal effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine in donkeys are unknown. The study aimed to assess the impacts of different doses of dexmedetomidine on the motility of selected parts of the gastrointestinal tracts in donkeys using trans-abdominal ultrasonography. In-vivo experiment, a thirty healthful donkey of both sex (fifteen males and fifteen females;160 ± 60 kg) received either normal saline solution or three different doses of dexmedetomidine (3, 5, 7 µg/kg) within two weeks washout period. All medications were given intravenously in equal volumes. The contractility of selected intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum) was totaled for three min before administration (zero time) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after administration. Results: There were no detectable clinical abnormalities on all selected donkeys, and they remained clinically healthy throughout the study period. Intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine markedly inhibited the small and large intestine motility when compared with saline treatment. The existing study revealed that Intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine reduces donkeys' small and large intestinal motility. Conclusion: Intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine is a suitable sedative drug for donkeys when sedation and analgesia are needed for very short periods.