The effect of detomidine on clinical signs, serum electrolytes, electrocardiographic indices, and cardiac arrhythmias in Camelus dromedarius

The aim of this study was to document sedation and analgesic effects, electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters, and some physiologic variable and serum concentrations of electrolytes after intravenous (IV) administration of detomidine in camels. Five healthy female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) aged 2 years and average weight of 200 ± 20 kg were used. Data were recorded before and 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min after IV administration of detomidine (50 μg kg⁻¹). Sedation and antinociception response were recorded. The ECG was attached as a bipolar base-apex lead, and indices measured and analyzed were P, QRS, and T wave amplitude, duration and configuration, and duration of P-R, Q-T, and R-R intervals. Venous blood was collected for the measurement of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and phosphorus (P⁻) concentrations. Posture and behavioral observed after detomidine administration were depression, swaying, tremors, muscular weakness, nasal discharge, drooling, drooping of head and lower lip, hind limb ataxia, anorexia, frequent urination, staggering, snoring, and nystagmus. Significantly increased in sedation scores and antinociception grades were seen. Heart rate (HR) was significantly decreased. Amplitude of P, QRS, and T waves, and P-R interval durations were not significantly changed from baseline during sedation. Durations of Q-T and R-R intervals were significantly prolonged after detomidine injection (p < 0.05). Sinus arrhythmia and bradycardia were recorded in five out of five camels from 3 to 60 min after detomidine administration. ECG waves configurations were not changed during sedation. Serum concentrations of all electrolytes were not changed after detomidine injection (p > 0.05). Detomidine produced a rapid and reliable sedation and antinociception, and could be used for a variety of diagnostic and surgical procedures in C. dromedarius without cardiopulmonary disease in the field.