Use of yohimbine to reverse prolonged effects of xylazine hydrochloride in a horse being treated with chloramphenicol

Abstract

A 1-year-old Standardbred gelding had received xylazine hydrochloride (0.75 to 1.00 mg/kg [0.34 to 0.45 mg/lb] of body weight, IV) during 2 surgeries for debridement of a wound. The horse was given chloramphenicol (55 mg/kg [25 mg/lb], PO. q 6 h) for 5 days and was anesthetized a third time with xylazine (0.75 mg/kg, IM). Five hours after administration of xylazine, he horse remained markedly sedated and had clinical signs of gaseous distention of the large bowel (bloat) requiring trocharization. Administration of yohimbine (0.03 mg/kg [0.01 mg/lb], IV) eliminated signs of sedation within 5 minutes. Moderate flatulence developed, and gastrointestinal sounds could be heard within all 4 abdominal quadrants within 15 minutes of yohimbine administration. The remainder of recovery was unremarkable. Xylazine induces bradycardia and decreases gastrointestinal motility in addition to causing sedation, muscle relaxation, and analgesia. Chloramphenicol can inhibit oxidase activity of cytochrome P-450 and inhibit metabolism and elimination of drugs such as xylazine.