Alpha 2 Agonists

Question 1

What are three pros of alpha 2 agonist drugs for pre anesthesia

Answer 1

1. Sedation
2. Analgesia
3. Muscle relaxation (inhibits reflexes)

Question 2

Four cons of alpha 2 agonist drugs as pre anesthetics

Answer 2

1. Cardiovascular compromise (heart block)
2. Variable respiratory depression
3. Emesis
4. GI stasis (k9 bloat potential)

Question 3

Xylazine is a…

Answer 3

Alpha 2 agonist

Question 4

What are four pros of Xylazine (similar to alpha 2 agonist pros)

Answer 4

1. Potent sedative
2. Muscle relaxation
3. Analgesia (20 min)
4. Can be reversed

Question 5

Xylazine can be reversed with ____________

Answer 5

Yohimbine

Question 6

Cons of Xylazine (5) similar to all alpha 2 agonists

Answer 6

1. CV compromise
2. Respiratory depression
3. Emesis (cats)
4. Bloat (ruminants and canines)
5. Decreased insulin

Question 7

What are four specific ways Xylazine compromises the CV system

Answer 7

1. Bradycardia
2. 2 degree heart block
3. Hypotension
4. Sensitizes the heart to epinephrine

Question 8

Where does epinephrine come from

Answer 8

Adrenal glands

Question 9

Because Xylazine decreases the body’s response to insulin, you will see ___________

Answer 9

Hyperglycemia

Question 10

Medetomidine is an _____________
___ _______________

Answer 10

Alpha-2 Agonist