Comparação dos efeitos da romifidina e de uma emulsão de amitraz na sedação e na atividade locomotora espontânea de eqüinos

Amitraz (AM) and romifidine (RMF), two alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, produce sedative effect and decrease spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) of horses. The behavioral effects and sedation after intravenous injection of RMF (0.06mg/kg) or AM 0.1mg/kg (AM 0.1) or AM 0.4mg/kg (AM 0.4) were compared in horses. RMF caused head ptosis (HP) until 45 min. The lower AM dose induced HP from 45 to 60 minutes and from 120 to 150 minutes, and the higher dose induced HP until 180 minutes. Data concerning changes in SLA were not conclusive. RMF or AM 0.4 caused a greater sedation than AM 0.1 until 20 min. After 20 minutes, the sedation caused by AM 0.4 was greater than that of RMF or AM 0.1. Romifidine caused consistent sedation until 45 minutes. The amitraz emulsion produced a dosedependent sedation until 180 minutes. Comparing to romifidine, the emulsion of amitraz induced a more substantial sedation. At dosages and dilution applied, amitraz is an effective sedative for horses.