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Table 2 Sedation scoring system

From: Effects of midazolam on cardiovascular responses and isoflurane requirement during elective ovariohysterectomy in dogs

Score

Description

1

Not very/not sedated:

Able to stand up and walk. Fully responsive. No signs of depression, drowsiness, ataxia or altered character with respect to how it was without any medication

2

Slightly sedated:

Able to stand up and walk. Fully responsive but slow to react. Mild signs of depression, drowsiness, ataxia or mild changes in character

3

Sedated:

Able to stand up but reluctant to walk. Slow reaction to stimuli. Signs of depression, drowsiness, ataxia and changed character

4

Deeply/very sedated:

Unable to stand up and walk. Unresponsive to stimuli. Depressed, drowsy and sleepy

  1. Sedation scoring system used to assess 39 healthy female dogs admitted for elective ovariohysterectomy, following pre-medication with pethidine (3 mg kg− 1) and acepromazine (30 μg kg− 1) intramuscularly [21]