The use of alpha-2 agonists in the equine practice: comparison between three molecules

Alpha-2 agonists are synthetic drugs which cause sedation, analgesia and myorelaxation due to their interaction with alpha-2 adrenoreceptors, widely distributed throughout bodily systems. Because of these actions such drugs are generally used in veterinary practice: to tranquilize animals (pharmacologic restraint) for the safety of both veterinarians and cooperators. Such properties facilitate diagnostic examinations or minimally invasive and poorly painful surgical procedures, as well as limiting stress factors to the patients. The aim of this study is to find out the minor dosage able to minimally interact with the physiological systems and at the same time sufficient to allow diagnostic exams in properly sedated animals and to verify a possible equipotency for the three alpha-2 agonists.