Sedative and physiologic effects of tiletamine–zolazepam following buccal administration in cats

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the sedative and some physiological effects of tiletamine–zolazepam following buccal administration (BA) in cats. Methods Seven healthy spayed European shorthair cats (three males, four females) were studied twice in this randomized, blinded, crossover study. Each cat received two doses of tiletamine–zolazepam by BA: the low-dose (LD) group consisted of 5 mg/kg of each drug, and the high-dose (HD) group consisted of 7.5 mg/kg of each. Baseline systolic blood pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and a sedation score were recorded prior to administration of each treatment. The same variables plus the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) were recorded at predefined intervals for the next 2 h. Results All cats completed the study. No retching or vomiting were observed. Hypersalivation was observed in 0/7 and 3/7 for LD and HD groups, respectively ( P = 0.2). There were significant changes in scores over time for posture, response to clippers and response to manual restraint for both groups, without differences between groups. RR, HR and SAP changed significantly over time. SAP and RR were significantly lower for the HD than for the LD group. No values for hemoglobin saturation <95% were observed. Conclusions and relevance BA of tiletamine–zolazepam at the doses studied here is a simple and effective method for chemical restraint in cats, where the LD group had a lower impact on SAP and RR than the HD group.

Euthanasia of Cats by Australian Veterinarians: A Survey of Current Practices

“…Tiletamine is a dissociative anaesthetic, which, when combined with the a benzodiazepine such as zolazepam, provides mild-to-moderate analgesia, muscle relaxation, and chemical restraint in cats [45]. It can be administered IM, SC, and IV and may be effective if delivered intranasally or via buccal administration [46]. Tiletamine increases cardiac output and blood pressure [47], which may improve access to peripheral veins.…”

Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences

“…Tiletamine-zolazepam combination is meant to be injected intramuscularly or intravenously in cats and dogs, as per the manufacturer's advice. However, there are studies conducted on cats and dogs, where the drug was administered via the oral mucosa (buccal administration) (Ramsay and Wetzel 1998, Huang et al 2017, Nejamkin et al 2020, although this way of administration is not included in the producer's product characte-ristic leaflet. Sedative effect of Zoletil®/Telazol® has been described by the manufacturer as sufficient for treatment accompanied with mild or moderate pain levels (Arrioja-Dechert 1997).…”

“…Moreover, the time needed to regain consciousness or attain sternal recumbency (followed by standing) depends on the dosage, with higher doses causing a visibly prolonged recovery period. It is possible for the animal to experience restlessness, excitement, or hallucinations, all of which are dose-dependent symptoms (Hellyer et al 1989, Pablo and Bailey 1999, Savvas et al 2005, Krimins et al 2012, Nejamkin et al 2020. During recovery, more often in dogs than in cats, the following side effects are observed: excitement, purposeless muscle activity, and hyperthermia.…”

“…The same author reported that intubation was found easy after administration of tiletamine-zolazepam at 9.7 mg/kg IM (Ilkiw 1992). Although tiletamine-zolazepam combination is meant to be injected intramuscularly or intravenously in cats and dogs, as per the manufacturer's advice, there are studies conducted on cats and dogs, where the drug was administered via the oral mucosa (buccal administration) (Huang et al 2017, Nejamkin et al 2020. This way of administration, however, is not included in the producer's product characteristics leaflet.…”

Intraocular pressure and cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine premedication and tiletamine-zolazepam for anesthetic induction in dogs

“…Similarly, tiletamine-zolazepam is widely used in veterinary medicine to induce sedation [ 11 ], induction, and generalized anesthesia [ 12 , 13 ] for diagnostic and surgical procedures in dogs [ 14 , 15 ]. Tiletamine is a dissociative agent pharmacodynamically similar to ketamine but more potent and with a longer duration of action than ketamine [ 16 , 17 ].…”