Анотация: OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of IM administration of a tiletamine hydrochloridezolazepam hydrochloride (TZ) combination with either dexmedetomidine hydrochloride or saline (0.9 percent NaCI) solution (SS) on the motor response to claw clamping, selected cardiorespiratory variables, and quality of recovery from anesthesia in alpacas. ANIMALS 5 adult sexually intact male alpacas. PROCEDURES Each alpaca was given the T Z combination (2 mg/kg) with dexmedetomidine (5 [D5], 10 [DIO], 15 [DI5 ], or 20 [D20] pg/kg) or SSIM at l-week intervals (5 experiments); motor response to claw clamping was assessed, and characteristics of anesthesia, recovery from anesthesia, and selected cardiorespiratory variables were recorded. RESU LTS Mean с SEM duration of lack of motor response to claw clamping was longest when alpacas received treatments DI5 (30.9 с 5.9 minutes) and D20 (40.8 с 5.9 minutes). Duration of lateral recumbency was significantly longer with dexmedetomidine administration. The longest time (81.3 с 10.4 minutes) to standing was observed when alpacas received treatment D20. Following treatment SS, 4 alpacas moved in response to claw clamping at the 5-minute time point. Heart rate decreased from pretreatment values in all alpacas when dexmedetomidine was administered. Treatments DIO, D15, and D20 decreased Pao2, compared with treatment SS, during the first 15 minutes. During recovery, muscle stiffness and multiple efforts to regain a sternal position were observed in 3 SS-treated and I D5-treated alpacas; all other recoveries were graded as excellent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In TZ-anesthetized alpacas, dexmedetomidine (10, 15, and 20 pg/kg) administered IM increased the duration of lack of motor response to claw clamping, compared with the effect of SS