Effects of xylazine and dexmedetomidine on equine articular chondrocytes in vitro

This study offers new insights into the potential chondrotoxicity induced by dexmedetomidine and xylazine. Therefore, the intra-articular administration of α2-agonists should be conducted with care, especially for doses of ≥ 4 mg mL−1 of xylazine and 0.175 mg mL−1 and 0.25 mg mL−1 of dexmedetomidine.