Assessing the Synergistic Effects of Medetomidine and Meloxicam in Adult Horses: A Comprehensive Study on Clinical, Analgesic, and Sedative Outcome

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated medetomidine's clinical, analgesic, and sedative effects with meloxicam in adult horses. 20 horses were divided into four groups; healthy control, received 3.5 µg/kg medetomidine and 0.6 mg/kg meloxicam intravenously, received 5 µg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg meloxicam, and received 7 µg/kg medetomidine and 0.6 mg/kg meloxicam. Heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, electrocardiographs, and sedation scores were monitored before and after the injection. In the fourth group, the heart rate had a statistically significant decrease after (15, 30, and 60 minutes), and the respiratory rate decreased after (1 and 120 minutes) compared to other groups. The body temperature compared to the first group (1, 30, and 120 minutes) and the second group (15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes) after injection showed a decrease. Response to contact stimuli was examined, and only sedation with 7 µg/kg medetomidine had no stimulation. There were no significant changes in the position of the limbs, anal reflex, perineal reflex, ataxia, abdominal auscultation, and abnormal sounds. Meloxicam and medetomidine induced appropriate relaxation and reduced side effects (e.g., respiratory depression and bradycardia) in horses.