With the intetion to study the viability of the use and the sedative effects of the romifidine in mules, this drug was used for chemical restraint in untamed burros, that were subjected to bilateral orquiectomy. In a first fase, the viability was investigated in eight animals that were injected intravenously with 0.04 and 0.08mg/kg. In a second fase, the sedative effects were compared in three groups of seven animals that were injected with intramuscular doses of 0.04, 0.08 and 0.12mg/kg. The sedative signs of romifidine in mules were similar with that had been described for equine, however lower intensity were seen with same doses. Indeed the intravenous route produced effects more intense, the facility and safety made the intramuscular route better. By this route the 0.12mg/kg dose was the most efficient. The romifidine provided sedation which might be clinically useful in untamed mules.
romifidine; anesthesia; anaesthesia; equide; donkey
