Sedation of sheep following the administration of acepromazine with buprenorphine or morphine is similar.

The aim of this study was to compare sedation of sheep with acepromazine and buprenorphine or morphine. Twenty merino sheep received acepromazine (0.03mg/kg) with buprenorphine (0.02mg/kg, AB, n=10) or morphine (0.3mg/kg, AM, n=10) by intramuscular injection. Sedation was scored (SS) on a scale from 0 (no sedation) to 10 (heavy sedation). Response to restraint was scored (RS) on a scale from 0 (agitated) to 4 (relaxed). Three independent blinded observers and a single blinded observer determined the SS and RS, respectively. The SSs were summed (maximum 30). Data were compared using a t-test. Data is mean±SD (95% confidence interval). Each group comprised 2 wethers and 8 ewes. There was no difference between the AB and AM groups: weight 44±3.1kg and 44.7±3kg (p=0.58); SS 4.6±3.2 (2.4-6.9) and 6.6±3.5 (4.1-9.1) (p=0.21); and RS 1.6±1.3 (0.5-2.7) and 2±1.5 (0.7-3.3) (p=0.6). No adverse effects of the drugs were observed. Sedation with AB or AM at these doses is similar in sheep without observed adverse effects.