Alpha 2 agonists are frequently used in equine medicine. This study focused primarily on α2 agonist-induced changes in PCV and TSP. A secondary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of α2 agonist on selected serum biochemical parameters and splenic size in order to identify potential causes for the changes seen in PCV and TSP. Four healthy adult mares were treated in a blinded, randomized, cross-over design with a single dose of xylazine (0.5 mg/kg), romifidine (0.04 mg/kg) or detomidine (0.01 mg/kg) intravenously, or detomidine (0.02 mg/kg) intramuscularly. A 1-week washout period was allowed between treatments. Haematology, TSP, COP, plasma osmolality, glucose, BUN, serum lactate, electrolytes, venous blood pH, ultrasonographic splenic size and degree of clinical sedation were evaluated at different time points post-injection and compared to baseline values. All treatments induced similar clinical sedation in the mares. A significant change over time in PCV and TSP following each treatment was identified, with overall median (range) maximal reductions compared to baseline of 20.9% (12.9 - 27.3%) and 5.8% (3.0 - 10.3%), respectively. Additionally, changes over time were significant for RBC count, BUN, COP and Ca2+, which decreased; and glucose, plasma osmolality, Na+ and splenic size, which increased, when compared to baseline. There was no significant main effect of treatment on PCV, TSP or any other parameters measured except for glucose. This study concluded that changes in PCV, TSP and other biochemical parameters induced by α2 agonists should be taken into consideration when assessing critically ill horses that received these drugs. There was evidence of splenic RBC sequestration as well as fluid shifts; therefore, the results suggest a multifactorial cause for the changes in PCV and TSP. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted