Comprative evaluation of the sedative and electrocardiographic effects of intranasal atomization and intramuscular adminstration of medetomidine in healthy cats

Abstract

Introduction: Intranasal drug administration represents a non-invasive and convenient method for drug delivery. This research aimed to present a non-invasive and practical approach to feline sedation through a meticulous investigation of intranasal atomization using an atomizer of medetomidine juxtaposed with intramuscular injection. The aim was to provide an alternative, effective, tolerable, and convenient means of sedation in cats. Materials & Methods: This study allocated 14 healthy cats aged 3 to 6 months to intranasal atomization and intramuscular injection groups. Medetomidine was administered to both groups at 10 μg/kg. Additionally, atipamezole was administered at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg. The depth of anesthesia and cardiac electrical activity were meticulously recorded at all study time points (0, 10, 20, 30 and 45 minutes post-medetomidine administration). Results: The group subjected to intramuscular injection exhibited a more rapid onset of sedation. In this context, the statistical significance of the difference between these two groups was evident (P<0.05). Furthermore, statistically significant differences in anesthesia depth were observed between the study groups at 10 and 20 minutes post-medetomidine administration (P<0.05). No significant differences were noted in recovery from sedation among the study groups. Additionally, fewer pathological lesions were discernible in the electrocardiograms obtained from cats subjected to intranasal atomized midazolam. Conclusion: The trial results demonstrate that intranasal medetomidine administration for sedation and atipamezole for reversal can be an effective, well-tolerated, and straightforward alternative for sedating cats.