New sedative for dogs is launched

A new veterinary drug for sedation and pain relief in dogs is now available. The drug, an alpha-2 agonist medetomidine and vatinoxan combination (Zenalpha; Vetcare Oy and Dechra), is indicated for use as a sedative and analgesic in dogs to facilitate clinical examinations, clinical procedures, and minor surgical procedures, according to an announcement by Dechra.¹

The combination sedative was developed by Vetcare Oy in Finland and Dechra holds the marketing authorization in the United States. The drug received FDA approval in April 2022, and was the first approval marked by the FDA for vatinoxan.²

The combination of the alpha-2 agonist medetomidine and vatinoxan provides a unique balance of central and peripheral activity that minimizes cardiovascular adverse effects while maintaining the sedative and analgesic properties of medetomidine.¹

“Veterinarians routinely utilize sedatives in their daily practice to ensure the safety and comfort of their patients and the hospital team. Current canine sedatives carry some concern for cardiac function while the patient is sedated,” said Nancy Zimmerman, DVM, group business development director at Dechra, in an organizational press release.¹

“[The] combination of medetomidine and vatinoxan addresses one of those key concerns about patient safety during sedation by minimizing cardiovascular [adverse] effects,” she added.¹

According to Dechra, the alpha-2 agonist combination has a short duration of sedation—approximately 45 minutes in most dogs, with a mean duration of 38 minutes.¹

“The veterinary hospital team can spend less time waiting for the patient to become sedated and recover, and more importantly to the pet owner, the dog can return home sooner,” Zimmerman stated in the release.¹

Because of the quick recovery time and less cardiovascular depression, the use of reversal agents may not be needed, which Dechra officials indicated that it hoped can save time and decrease costs for clinics.¹

The new combination sedative is available in 10 mL multi-dose glass vials, through Dechra-approved distributors, according to the company.¹

References

1. Dechra introduces Zenalpha (medetomidine and vatinoxan hydrochlorides injection) as canine sedative that helps minimize cardiovascular side effects. News release. Dechra Veterinary Products. July 6, 2022.
2. FDA approves new combination injection for sedation and pain relief in dogs. Dvm360®. April 5, 2022. Accessed July 6, 2022. https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-approves-new-combination-injection-for-sedation-and-pain-relief-in-dogs