An accelerometric measure of the gait pattern in horses after the administration of sublingual detomidine

• We characterize the gait changes produced by sublingual detomidine administration.
• Significant changes in the majority of studied accelerometric variables occurred.
• Produced less effects in regularity values comparing to other parameters.
• Minimizes side effects while maintaining the desired ones.
• We demonstrate an additional advantage of this route of administration.

The locomotor pattern alterations produced after the administration of a sublingual detomidine gel was measured by an accelerometric method in horses. Using a randomized two-way crossover design, all animals (n = 6) randomly received either detomidine gel or a placebo administered sublingually. A triaxial accelerometric device was used for gait assessment 15 minutes before (baseline) and every 10 minutes after each treatment for a period of 180 minutes. Eight different parameters were calculated, including speed, stride frequency, stride length, regularity, dorsoventral, propulsion, mediolateral, and total power. Force of acceleration and the three components of power were also calculated. Significant statistical differences were observed between groups in all the parameters but stride length. The majority of significant changes started between 30 and 70 minutes after drug administration and lasted for 160 minutes. This route of administration is definitely useful in horses in which a prolonged sedation is required, with stability being a major concern.