Subcutaneous medetomidine at the governing vessel 20 acupuncture point provides faster early sedation than intramuscular administration without altering intraocular pressure in cats.

OBJECTIVE

To compare sedation, intraocular pressure (IOP), mean pupil diameter, and recovery profiles after IM or SC administration at the governing vessel 20 (GV20) acupuncture point of medetomidine in cats.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted at the Animal Hospital of Ataturk University in April and May of 2026. Cats undergoing elective castration received medetomidine (70 µg/kg) either IM or SC at GV20. Sedation score, IOP, and mean pupil diameter were recorded before and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after injection.

RESULTS

16 cats completed the study, with 8 cats in each group. Governing vessel 20 produced higher sedation scores at 5 minutes (GV20, 10 [range, 8 to 11]; IM, 5 [range, 4 to 8]; r = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.97) and 10 minutes (GV20, 11 [range, 11 to 12]; IM, 8 [range, 8 to 11]; r = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.98), with comparable scores thereafter. Intraocular pressure did not differ significantly between groups or over time. The mean pupil diameter was larger in the GV20 group than in the IM group from 10 to 30 minutes, with the greatest difference 30 minutes after medetomidine administration (GV20, 9.35 ± 0.98 mm; IM, 6.94 ± 1.78 mm; mean difference, 2.41 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

GV20 administration produced faster early sedation than IM medetomidine without clinically detectable IOP alteration or clinically relevant changes in mean pupil diameter, although early recovery should be monitored.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: GV20 administration may be useful when rapid early sedation is desired in healthy cats, but early recovery should be monitored.