Comparison of the effects of the alpha-2 agonists detomidine, romifidine and xylazine on nociceptive withdrawal reflex and temporal summation in horses

Detomidine, romifidine and xylazine, administered IV at doses considered equipotent for sedation, significantly increased NWR and temporal summation thresholds, used as a measure of antinociceptive activity. The extent of maximal increase of NWR and temporal summation thresholds was comparable, while the duration of action was drug-specific.