Lower-dose sedative-preanesthetic available for veterinary use

Zoetis has announced a lower concentration of Dexdomitor (dexmedetomidine), a sedative and preanesthetic drug for dogs and cats. The 0.1 mg/ml dosage is designed to make it more convenient for veterinarians to accurately administer doses for dogs less than 20 pounds and cats less than 7 pounds, company representatives say.

Smaller patients require smaller volumes of Dexdomitor, which can be challenging to measure accurately. Dexdomitor 0.1 is one-fifth the original concentration, so dose volumes can be more accurately measured without the need for dilution, Zoetis says. Sedation and preanesthesia protocols can therefore be tailored to individual patients, helping to ensure consistent and predictable outcomes. The new concentration has been used in Europe since August 2013. For more information visit target="_blank" www.precisionsedation.com.