Effects of intramuscular acepromazine and diazepam on tear production in rabbits

Abstract

Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into two groups of eight. Schirmer II tear tests were performed on all 16 and then eight received an intramuscular dose of 1 mg/kg acepromazine and the other eight received an intramuscular dose of 1 mg/kg diazepam. The Schirmer tests were repeated after 15 and 25 minutes. There was a significant reduction in tear production by the rabbits treated with acepromazine, but no significant change in tear production by the rabbits treated with diazepam.