# Butorphanol or a Combination of Ketamine and Xylazine Do Not Interfere With Arrhythmogenic Parameters in Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) Obtained Through High‐Resolution Electrocardiogram

## TL;DR

This study shows that sedating agoutis with ketamine-xylazine or butorphanol does not affect their heart rhythm parameters measured by high-resolution ECG.

## Contribution

This is the first study to evaluate arrhythmogenesis parameters in sedated agoutis using high-resolution ECG and vectorcardiography.

## Key findings

- Sedation with ketamine-xylazine or butorphanol did not alter key arrhythmogenesis parameters like LAS < 40 μV and RMS in agoutis.
- Ketamine-xylazine increased the sQRST value, while butorphanol did not significantly affect it.
- Both sedation methods caused only mild and minimal changes in blood pressure and VCG data.

## Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: Agoutis is a medium‐sized wild rodent with potential for use as an experimental model. This study aimed to evaluate physiological parameters of arrhythmogenesis in this species, by HR‐ECG and VCG techniques, under physical and pharmacological containment (ketamine‐xylazine and butorphanol). Materials and methods: Eight agouti in which the physiological parameters of arrhythmogenesis were evaluated by HR‐ECG and VCG techniques, under physical and pharmacological containment. We evaluated cardiac and pulmonary foci sounds, made femoral pulse inspection, body score analysis, gestational evaluation, echocardiographic examination, blood pressure measurement, and conventional electrocardiography. Results: The non‐sedated agoutis exhibited QRS duration of 93.25 ± 9.51, LAS < 40 μV of 28.50 ± 4.65 and RMS of 93.50 ± 29.75. The value of QRS duration decreased in animals treated with ketamine‐xylazine and increased in those receiving butorphanol. The non‐sedated agoutis exhibited QRS duration of 93.25 ± 9.51, LAS < 40 μV of 28.50 ± 4.65 and RMS of 93.50 ± 29.75. The value of QRS duration decreased in animals treated with ketamine‐xylazine and increased in those receiving butorphanol. The sedation protocols did not cause alterations for LAS < 40 μV and RMS. The sQRST value in non‐sedated animals was 54.20° ± 43.63 and the administration of ketamine‐xylazine increased this index to 102.87° ± 53.57, while butorphanol did not induce alteration. The mean systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures differed between physical and pharmacological restraints. Both pharmacological constraints reduced the blood pressure of the agoutis, analogously and mildly. Conclusion: The adoption of sedation protocols using the ketamine‐xylazine association and butorphanol did not interfere with HR‐ECG values and exhibited minimal VCG data and blood pressure changes.

This is the first study evaluating arrhythmogenesis parameters in sedated agoutis.Evaluation of sedated agoutis using high‐resolution ECG and vectorcardiography.Sedation with ketamine‐xylazine or butorphanol did not affect arrhythmogenesis parameters in agoutis.Results suggest that ketamine‐xylazine and butorphanol are safe for agouti sedation.

This is the first study evaluating arrhythmogenesis parameters in sedated agoutis.

Evaluation of sedated agoutis using high‐resolution ECG and vectorcardiography.

Sedation with ketamine‐xylazine or butorphanol did not affect arrhythmogenesis parameters in agoutis.

Results suggest that ketamine‐xylazine and butorphanol are safe for agouti sedation.