In this research, it was evaluated the flunitrazepam, at different doses, in the tranquilization of 24 landrace swines. The animais were distributed into 4 groups and, after a previous fasting, the cardiac and respiratory rates were recorded as well as the rectal temperature and blood gas analisis. Just after that, the flunitrazepam was injected at dosages of 0.01; 0.02 and 0.03mg/kg IM for the groups I, II and III, respectively. The group IV (control) received the same volume of saline (0.9%) intramuscularly. The parametrical and blood gas recordings were performed at 10 minute intervals after the drug administration, over an hour period. At the same time, observations were performed about the clinical efectiveness of the sedation. Significant changes were not observed in cardiac and respiratory rates at different dosages apphed. The dosage of 0.03 mg/kg produced the best level of sedation, without significam changes in the blood gas values.
swine anesthesia; benzodiazepmes; flunitrazepam
