Vet Med - Czech, 2023, 68(4):145-151 | DOI: 10.17221/21/2023-VETMED

Efficacy of the intranasal application of azaperone for sedation in weaned pigletsOriginal Paper

M Svoboda¹, J Blahova², J Jarkovsky³, A Zacharda⁴, S Hajkova⁴, J Vanhara¹, J Vasek¹

¹ Ruminant and Swine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

² Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

³ Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

⁴ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of the intranasal and parenteral administration of azaperone in order to achieve pig sedation. A total of 32 weaned piglets divided into 4 groups (8 piglets in each group) were used. Group A was injected intramuscularly (i.m.) with azaperone (Stresnil®, 40 mg/ml inj.; Elanco Animal Health) at a dose of 2 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.). Group B received a dose of 2 mg/kg b.w. of azaperone intranasally. Group C was given azaperone intranasally at a dose of 4 mg/kg b.w. Group D was given 1 ml of saline intranasally and served as the control group. The response to the defined stimulus (a blunt blow of a metal rod into a metal edge of a pen), the degree of salivation, movement level, body temperature and serum azaperone concentration were included in the trial. We found that in order to induce an adequate level of sedation comparable to the standard method of application, i.e., 2 mg/kg b.w. i.m., the intranasal administration of azaperone at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight is required.

Keywords: behaviour; neuroleptic; pharmacodynamics; swine

Received: February 23, 2023; Revised: February 23, 2023; Accepted: April 5, 2023; Prepublished online: April 26, 2023; Published: April 28, 2023  Show citation