xylazine

xylazine

an analgesic and sedative which has become very popular for the immobilization of adult ruminants and is also registered for use in dogs, cats, horses, deer and elk. Often used in combination with ketamine. Care is needed with its use in cattle because of the very low dose required in that species. Xylazine also causes a marked increase in plasma growth hormone levels. Called also Rompun.

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xylazine stimulation test

used in the diagnosis of abnormalities of pituitary function, e.g. pituitary dwarfism, and specifically deficiency of growth hormone. Plasma levels of growth hormone are measured before and after the intravenous administration of xylazine. In normal dogs, there is a marked increase but hypopituitary dogs fail to respond.