Xylazine-induced attenuation of dorsal displacement of the soft palate associated with epiglottic dysfunction in a horse.

Abstract

An 18-month-old Quarter Horse filly was evaluated because of dorsal displacement of the soft palate associated with epiglottic dysfunction that caused exercise intolerance and an abnormal respiratory noise. The abnormality of the epiglottis was corrected by use of a sedative dose of xylazine hydrochloride. There was no familial predisposition to hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, which may cause similar laryngopharyngeal signs, and the horse did not respond to administration of acetazolamide. There was no known history of trauma that could have caused neuritis, which has also been suggested as a cause of laryngeal dysfunction. It was unusual that a complete response was obtained with xylazine hydrochloride, an alpha2-adrenergic agonist, although this drug has various effects on the respiratory tract in horses. It was also unusual that the response outlasted the sedative effect of the drug.

• Authors: Vivienne E Duggan, Charles G MacAllister, Michael S Davis
• Journal: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (J Am Vet Med Assoc) Vol. 221 Issue 3 Pg. 399-401, 368 (Aug 01 2002) ISSN: 0003-1488 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12164538 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
• Xylazine

Topics

• Adrenergic alpha-Agonists (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Epiglottis (abnormalities, drug effects, physiopathology)
• Female
• Horse Diseases (drug therapy)
• Horses
• Palate, Soft (abnormalities)
• Physical Conditioning, Animal
• Respiratory Sounds (drug effects, veterinary)
• Treatment Outcome
• Xylazine (pharmacology, therapeutic use)