Which alpha-2 agonist is approved in dog, cat, horse, elk, and deer and used for sedative, analgesic, anesthetic, and as an emetic, with 2% and 10% concentrations?

• A. Sevoflurane
• B. Xylazine
• C. Edrophonium
• D. Oxymorphone

Answer: (B)

Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists provide sedation, analgesia, and often muscle relaxation by damping sympathetic outflow; they’re used as sedatives and as components of anesthetic protocols in many species. Xylazine fits this role across a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and even wildlife such as elk and deer. It’s relied on for calming and analgesia, and it can be part of anesthesia plans, with an additional emetic effect observed in cats. Importantly, xylazine preparations come in commonly used 2% and 10% solutions, allowing dosing across different sizes and species. The other options are not alpha-2 agonists: sevoflurane is an inhaled anesthetic, edrophonium is a cholinesterase inhibitor, and oxymorphone is an opioid analgesic.