Comparison of xylazine and lidocaine effects for analgesia and cardiopulmonary functions following lumbosacral epidural injection in goats

The present study was carried out in order to compare the effects of xylazine and lidocaine on analgesia and cardiopulmonary parameters following epidural injection in goats. Twelve healthy Small East African goats of both sexes (mean +/- SD; 15.6 +/- 1.9 kg body weight) were used. The goats were randomly assigned to two groups of five and seven animals. The first group (n = 5) was given 2% lidocaine-HCl at 4400 micrograms/kg body weight. The second group (n = 7) was administered 2% xylazine-HCl at 150 micrograms/kg body weight. All drugs were diluted in 5 ml of sterile water and were injected epidurally through the lumbosacral interspace with the injection taking over 20 s. Both drugs induced analgesia within 5 min. Signs of sedation, cardiopulmonary changes and lateral recumbency developed within 5-7 min after administration of epidural xylazine. Tail flaccidity and hind limb paralysis developed 3 min after epidural administration of lidocaine. The time from recumbency to regaining normal stance was 60 and 158 min for xylazine- and lidocaine-treated animals respectively. Xylazine induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum, which extended to the head and forelimbs. In contrast, lidocaine induced adequate bilateral flank and perineal analgesia extending up to the third thoracic vertebra. For both drugs, analgesia of the flank and perineum persisted for the entire 180-min observational period. Epidural injection of xylazine and lidocaine caused variable depression effects on the cardiopulmonary values but was not so low as to cause concern. It is concluded that lumbosacral epidural injection of xylazine at 150 micrograms/kg body weight in 5 ml of water for injection offers the most desirable sedation and analgesia of the flank and perineum. The longer duration of analgesia may be useful for postoperative analgesia and relief of continuous straining in goats.     

Caudal epidural analgesia in cattle using xylazine.

Each of 25 mature Holstein cows were given a single 5 mL epidural injection of one of four different concentrations of xylazine or saline. The onset, magnitude and duration of caudal epidural analgesia was quantitated with the use of a low voltage DC current applied to the perineal area. The dose that produced the longest duration of analgesia and produced the least ataxia or sedation was approximately 0.05 mg/kg (25 mg in 5 mL diluent). The analgesia produced by this xylazine dose was compared to a standard dose of epidural lidocaine (100 mg/5 mL) by the same method. To investigate the role of systemic absorption in the production of epidural analgesia, the previously utilized epidural xylazine dosage was given intramuscularly to four adult cows. Analgesia was quantitated as before and the results compared with epidural xylazine. Epidural xylazine produced a significantly greater duration of analgesia, as measured by this model, than did epidural lidocaine. Xylazine, given epidurally, produced greater perineal analgesia than did xylazine given intramuscularly.     

Evaluation of detomidine as a sedative in goats.

Intramuscular (i.m.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration of detomidine at doses of 10, 20 and 40 micrograms/kg body mass was evaluated for its sedative and analgesic properties in 15 goats (Capra hircus). The drug produced dose- and route-dependent sedation. The 10 micrograms/kg dose was effective only when administered i.v. There was no observable analgesia at this dose. Higher doses produced effective sedation and moderate analgesia of the body with either route of administration. Severe ataxia and sternal recumbency were seen in all the animals after the dose of 40 micrograms/kg. Other effects of detomidine in these goats included mild to moderate salivation, depressed respiratory rate, decreased rectal temperature, bradycardia and hyperglycaemia. Plasma concentrations of total protein, sodium, potassium and chloride were not affected.     

Preliminary study of the effects of xylazine or detomidine with or without butorphanol for standing sedation in dairy cattle

The sedative effect induced by administering xylazine hydrochloride or detomidine hydrochloride with or without butorphanol tartrate to standing dairy cattle was compared in two groups of six adult, healthy Holstein cows. One group received xylazine (0.02 mg/kg i.v.) followed by xylazine (0.02 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg i.v.) 1 week later. Cows in Group B received detomidine (0.01 mg/kg i.v.) followed by detomidine (0.01 mg/kg i.v.) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg i.v.) 1 week later. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and arterial blood pressure were monitored and recorded before drugs were administered and every 10 minutes for 1 hour after drug administration. The degree of sedation was evaluated and graded. Cows in each treatment group had significant decreases in heart rate and respiratory rate after test drugs were given. Durations of sedation were 49.0 +/- 12.7 minutes (xylazine), 36.0 +/- 14.1 (xylazine with butorphanol), 47.0 +/- 8.1 minutes (detomidine), and 43.0 +/- 14.0 minutes (detomidine with butorphanol). Ptosis and salivation were observed in cows of all groups following drug administration. Slow horizontal nystagmus was observed from three cows following administration of detomidine and butorphanol. All cows remained standing while sedated. The degree of sedation seemed to be most profound in cows receiving detomidine and least profound in cows receiving xylazine.     

RESEARCH PAPER: Segmental dorsolumbar epidural analgesia via the caudal approach using multiple port catheters with ketamine or lidocaine or in combination in cattle

ObjectiveTo determine the analgesic and systemic effects of epidural administration of ketamine, lidocaine or a combination of ketamine/lidocaine in standing cattle.Study designProspective, randomized, experimental trial.AnimalsSix healthy male cattle weighing between 335 and 373 kg.MethodsThe animals received 0.5 mg kg^?1 of ketamine (K), 0.2 mg kg^?1 of 2% lidocaine (L) or 0.25 mg kg^?1 ketamine plus 0.1 mg kg^?1 lidocaine (KL). All the drugs were injected into the dorsolumbar epidural space via a caudal approach through a non‐styletted multiple‐port catheter. Each animal received each treatment at random. Evaluations of analgesia, sedation, ataxia, heart rate, arterial pressure, respiratory rate, skin temperature and rectal temperature were obtained at 0 (basal), 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 minutes after epidural injection, and then at 30‐minute intervals until loss of analgesia occurred. Skin temperature was taken at these intervals up to 60 minutes. All the animals received a standard noxious stimulus; a 4‐point scale was used to score the response. A second scale was used to score ataxia and a third for sedation.ResultsThe duration of analgesia in the upper and lower flanks in cattle was 140 ± 15, 50 ± 14 and 80 ± 22 minutes (mean ± SD) after dorsolumbar epidural KL, K or L, respectively. The cardiovascular changes were within acceptable limits in these clinically healthy cattle.ConclusionsDorsolumbar epidural administration of KL to cattle resulted in longer duration of analgesia of the upper and lower flanks in standing conscious cattle, than the administration of K or L alone.Clinical relevanceFurther research is necessary to determine whether this combination using this technique provides sufficient analgesia for flank surgery in standing cattle.     

Analgesic, hemodynamic, and respiratory effects induced by caudal epidural administration of meperidine hydrochloride in mares.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the analgesic, hemodynamic, and respiratory effects induced by caudal epidural administration of meperidine hydrochloride in mares. ANIMALS: 7 healthy mares. Procedure: Each mare received meperidine (5%; 0.8 mg/kg of body weight) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution via caudal epidural injection on 2 occasions. At least 2 weeks elapsed between treatments. Degree of analgesia in response to noxious electrical, thermal, and skin and muscle prick stimuli was determined before and for 5 hours after treatment. In addition, cardiovascular and respiratory variables were measured and degree of sedation (head position) and ataxia (pelvic limb position) evaluated. RESULTS: Caudal epidural administration of meperidine induced bilateral analgesia extending from the. coccygeal to S1 dermatomes in standing mares; degree of sedation and ataxia was minimal. Mean (+/- SD) onset of analgesia was 12 +/- 4 minutes after meperidine administration, and duration of analgesia ranged from 240 minutes to the entire 300-minute testing period. Heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, arterial blood pressures, Hct, PaO2, PaCO2, pHa, total solids and bicarbonate concentrations, and base excess were not significantly different from baseline values after caudal epidural administration of either meperidine or saline solution. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Caudal epidural administration of meperidine induced prolonged perineal analgesia in healthy mares. Degree of sedation and ataxia was minimal, and adverse cardiorespiratory effects were not detected. Meperidine may be a useful agent for induction of caudal epidural analgesia in mares undergoing prolonged diagnostic, obstetric, or surgical procedures in the anal and perineal regions.     

Caudal epidural analgesia induced by xylazine administration in cows

Xylazine (0.05 mg/kg of body weight diluted to a 5-ml volume, using 0.9% NaCl) or 5 ml of 0.9% NaCl was administered epidurally into the first caudal intervertebral space (Co1-Co2) in 8 cows (mean +/- SD body weight, 583 +/- 150 kg). Cows were observed for responses to deep needle pricking of the caudal dermatomes (S3 to Co), sedation, and ataxia. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, rate of ruminal contractions, coccygeal arterial blood pressure, pHa, blood gas tension (PaO2, PaCO2), base excess, total solids concentration, and PCV were determined before and after xylazine administration. Epidurally administered xylazine induced sedation and selective (S3 to Co) analgesia for at least 2 hours. Mild ataxia of hind limbs was observed in 6 cows, but all cows remained standing. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rate of ruminal contractions, arterial blood pressure, PaO2, PCV, and total solids concentration were significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased, and PaCO2, base excess, and bicarbonate concentration were significantly (P less than 0.05) increased after xylazine administration. Epidurally administered 0.9% NaCl did not alter sensory perception to needle pricking and did not affect any of the physiologic variables determined. Although epidural administration of xylazine induced analgesia and sedation in healthy cows, it should be avoided for epidural analgesia in cattle with heart disease, lung disease, and/or gastrointestinal disease because of its potent cardiopulmonary and ruminal depressant effects.     

A romifidine and morphine combination for epidural analgesia of the flank in cattle

The objective of the study reported here was to determine the onset, duration, and degree of analgesia achieved with a combination of romifidine (50 microg/kg body weight [BW]) and morphine (0.1 mg/kg BW) administered epidurally. Ten adult Holstein Friesen cows were assigned to either a treatment group receiving the romifidine and morphine combination or a control group receiving 0.9% saline in a randomized, blinded, crossover design. Cows were assessed for degree of flank analgesia and systemic sedation at various time intervals over a period of 24 hours. The romifidine and morphine combination, compared with saline, provided significant analgesia for at least 10 minutes (P = 0.016) and up to 12 hours (P = 0.004) after epidural administration. Treated cows were sedate between 10 minutes (P = 0.016) and 6 hours (P = 0.002) after epidural administration. These results provide evidence for a potential cost-effective intra- and postoperative method of analgesia; however, the sedation seen in this study could be detrimental to patients expected return to the farm shortly after surgery. Further research into withdrawal times, systemic effects, and potential adverse effects are needed before an opiod and alpha2-adrenergic agonist combination can be used safely in a clinical setting.     

Epidural injection of ketamine for caudal analgesia in the cow

The objective of the study was to determine the analgesic and sedative effects of epidural ketamine in the cow. Eight healthy cows weighing 350–450 kg were used. One of 3 doses of ketamine (0.5, 1 and 2.0 mg/kg) or a saline control were injected into the epidural space at the first intercoccygeal interspace in random sequence at one-week intervals. Ketamine was diluted in saline (0.9%) before the experiment, and the volume adjusted according to animal size. Analgesia was tested by applying a standard stimulus (needle insertion into the skin and deep muscle) and scored using a 3-point scale. A second voltage-based stimulus was also applied and the responses scored. Another scale was used for scoring the degree of sedation. The response and the degree of sedation were assessed before drug administration and at 2, 5, 10, 15 min, and every 15 min until 120 min after ketamine or saline administration. Ketamine produced dose-related analgesia of the tail, anus, perineum and vulva but not of the hindlimb area. The effect was dose-dependent in terms of intensity and duration. None of the doses produced analgesia when 70 or 80 volts were applied. Minimal side effects were observed. Epidural ketamine produces caudal analgesia in the cow. Further studies are required to determine whether this is sufficient for surgery.     

Meperidine prolongs lidocaine caudal epidural anaesthesia in the horse

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effects of caudal epidural administration of meperidine (MP), lidocaine (LD), and a combination of the two (MPLD) in six mature saddle horses. Horses were randomly assigned to receive three treatments (MP 0.3 mg/kg; LD 0.2 mg/kg; and MPLD: MP 0.3 mg/kg and LD 0.2 mg/kg), with at least 1 week between treatments. Drugs were injected into the epidural space between the first and second coccygeal areas in conscious standing horses. Analgesia, ataxia, sedation, cardiovascular and respiratory effects, and rectal temperature were recorded at different intervals before (baseline) and after administration. Epidural administration of MPLD resulted in a longer duration of analgesia of the tail, perineum, and upper hind limb regions than did administration of MP or LD alone.     

Analgesic, behavioural and cardiopulmonary effects of epidurally injected medetomidine (Domitor) in goats

This study was carried out in order to evaluate the analgesic, sedative, immobilizing and cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine in goats after lumbosacral epidural injection of three (10, 20 and 30 micrograms/kg body weight) doses. The volume of the injection for all three medetomidine doses was 5 ml in sterile water. Seventeen clinically healthy, Small East African goats of either sex and weighing between 12 and 22 kg (mean +/- SD; 14.8 +/- 2.5 kg body weight) were used. The animals were randomly assigned to two groups. Seven goats were used for evaluating analgesic, behavioural and cardiopulmonary effects while 10 were used for experimental surgery. The cardiopulmonary values and rectal temperature were determined and recorded at time 0 (preinjection) and at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min, and thereafter at 15-min intervals up to 180 min after injection. Analgesia of the flank and perineum was determined at time 0 (preinjection) and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min using a scoring system. The spread of analgesia to the thorax, neck, forelimbs and head was also determined and recorded. The onset and duration of lateral recumbency was noted and recorded. Medetomidine at the given doses induced variable cardiopulmonary depression, which was not detrimental to the animals. All three doses (10, 20 and 30 micrograms/kg) of medetomidine induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum. Analgesia extended to the thorax, forelimbs, neck and head. The duration of lateral recumbency was 136 and 166 min for the 20 and 30 micrograms/kg medetomidine doses, respectively. The duration of lateral recumbency was not determined for the animal given 10 micrograms/kg medetomidine. Signs of sedation (lowering of the head, drooping of the lower lip, partial to complete closure of the eyes and salivation) were noted after administration of all three doses. It can be concluded from this study that all three doses induced adequate analgesia of the flank and perineum. Surgical analgesia of the flank of goats was achieved after lumbosacral epidural administration of 20 micrograms medetomidine/kg, diluted in 5 ml of sterile water. Surgery was not performed with the other doses (10 and 30 micrograms/kg) of medetomidine.     

Comparison of lidocaine, xylazine, and lidocaine−xylazine for caudal epidural analgesia in cattle

Objective To directly compare the time to onset and duration of analgesia produced by a lidocaine/xylazine combination with that produced by lidocaine and xylazine administered alone in the caudal epidural space of dairy cattle. Design Prospective randomized experimental study. Animals Nine adult (> 4 years of age) dairy cows (520–613 kg). Methods Caudal epidural analgesia was produced in all cows with 2% lidocaine (0.22 mg kg^?1; 5.5 mL 500 kg^?1), 10% xylazine (0.05 mg kg^?1 diluted to 5.5 mL 500 kg^?1 with sterile water), and 2% lidocaine/10% xylazine (0.22 mg kg^?1/0.05 mg kg^?1; total volume of 5.7 mL 500 kg^?1), at no earlier than weekly intervals in a Latin square design. Time to onset, duration and cranial spread of analgesia were recorded, as were degree of sedation, ataxia and ptyalism. Results No significant difference (p > 0.05) was noted for time (mean ± SEM) of onset of analgesia between lidocaine (4.8 ± 1.0 minutes) and the lidocaine/xylazine combination (5.1 ± 0.9 minutes) but onset of analgesia following xylazine was significantly longer (11.7 ± 1.0 minutes) than either of the other two treatments. Lidocaine/xylazine (302.8 ± 11.0 minutes) produced analgesia of significantly longer duration than that of xylazine (252.9 ± 18.9 minutes) and both the lidocaine/xylazine combination and xylazine alone produced analgesia of significantly longer duration than that produced by lidocaine (81.8 ± 11.8 minutes). In all cattle, xylazine, administered either alone or with lidocaine, induced mild to moderate sedation and ataxia and cutaneous analgesia from the coccyx to T13. Mild ataxia was also present in those cattle receiving lidocaine alone. Conclusion The combination of xylazine and lidocaine produces analgesia of quicker onset and longer duration than xylazine administered alone and of longer duration than lidocaine administered alone. Clinical relevance Utilizing this combination, long‐duration obstetrical and surgical procedures could commence relatively soon after epidural injection and could be completed without re‐administration of anesthetic agents.     

The sedative and analgesic effects of detomidine-butorphanol and detomidine alone in donkeys

Butorphanol and detomidine constitute an effective combination for sedation and analgesia in horses. This trial was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of this combination in donkeys. The detomidine and butorphanol were given intravenously one after the other. A dose of 10 microg/kg of detomidine and 25 microg/kg of butorphanol was used. Sedation is easily extended by additional doses of butorphanol. The average dose of detomidine was 11.24 microg/kg and that of butorphanol was 28.0 microg/kg. Four donkeys in the detomidine group required additional sedation and analgesia. Detomidine alone did not totally eliminate coronary band pain. Heart rates dropped significantly in the first minute after the injection of the combination. One donkey developed an atrioventricular block, while another developed a sino-atrial block. Four donkeys developed a Cheyne-Stokes respiratory pattern. The combination of detomidine and butorphanol is an effective combination for sedation and analgesia of donkeys for standing procedures.     

Analgesic, sedative and haemodynamic effects of spinally administered romifidine in female goats

The present study was designed to evaluate the analgesic, sedative and haemodynamic effects of spinally administered romifidine in goats. Ten female healthy goats weighing 14-18 kg were randomly divided into two groups, I and II, of five animals each. Romifidine was administered spinally at rates of 50 and 75 microg/kg body weight in the animals of groups I and II, respectively, into the lumbosacral space. The treatments were compared based on their effects on analgesia, sedation, ataxia, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, electrocardiogram and haemato-biochemical parameters. The objective parameters were analysed statistically using paired t-test and Duncan's multiple range test. Depth of analgesia was measured by recording the response to pin prick at different regions and was graded on a scale from 0 to 3. Moderate to complete analgesia was recorded at perineum and flank in both groups. Sedation was moderate in both groups. Ataxia was observed in all the animals but it was more pronounced in group II. Heart rate decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in both groups. A decrease in respiration rate was also recorded in both groups but it was more significant (P < 0.01) and for longer duration in group II as compared to group I. A slight increase in rectal temperature was also observed in both groups. Mean arterial pressure decreased and central venous pressure increased significantly (P < 0.01) in both groups but changes were more pronounced in group II. Electrocardiogram changes in group I included bradycardia, increased QT interval and increased or biphasic T wave but in animals of group II, in addition to these changes, occasional sinus dysrhythmia, increased PR interval and second-degree heart block were also recorded. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume decreased non-significantly in both groups. A significant (P < 0.01) increase in blood glucose and non-significant changes in plasma proteins, urea nitrogen and creatinine were recorded in both groups. The results of the study revealed that romifidine at the rate of 50 microg/kg could produce moderate to complete analgesia of perineum and flank after spinal administration into the lumbosacral space in goats. The analgesia could not be enhanced further by increasing the dose of romifidine up to 75 microg/kg, however, ataxia and cardiopulmonary and haemodynamic side-effects became more apparent.     

Effects of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists during recovery from isoflurane anaesthesia in horses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Recovery from inhalant anaesthesia in the horse is a critical and difficult period to manage; however, several factors could help to obtain a calm recovery period including choice of anaesthetic and analgesic procedure used and the conditions under which anaesthetic maintenance and recovery occur. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the quality of recovery in horses administered saline, xylazine, detomidine or romifidine during recovery from isoflurane anaesthesia. METHODS: Six mature and healthy horses were premedicated with i.v. xylazine and butorphanol, and anaesthesia induced using ketamine. After 2 h of inhalant anaesthesia with isoflurane vaporised in oxygen, saline solution, xylazine (0.1 mg/kg bwt), detomidine (2 microg/kg bwt) or romifidine (8 pg/kg bwt) were administered. The quality of recovery of each horse and the degree of sedation and ataxia were evaluated. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were recorded, and arterial blood samples obtained and analysed for pH, PO2 and PCO2 during recovery. RESULTS: Quality of recovery was better in groups treated with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors agonists, showing less ataxia. Degree of sedation was greater in the romifidine group. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the administration of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists during recovery from isoflurane anaesthesia in horses prolonged and improved the quality of recovery without producing significant cardiorespiratory effects. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists after inhalent anaesthesia could prevent complications during the recovery period.     

Analgesic, hemodynamic and respiratory effects of caudal epidurally administered ropivacaine hydrochloride in mares

Objective To determine the analgesic, hemodynamic and respiratory effects, sedation and ataxia in mares of caudal epidural administration of ropivacaine hydrochloride solution. Study design Prospective, single‐dose trial. Animals Ten healthy mares weighing from 475 to 565 kg. Methods Intravascular catheters and an epidural needle were placed after infiltration of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with 2% lidocaine. Ropivacaine (0.5%, 8 or 9 mL) was then injected epidurally at the fifth sacral or sacrococcygeal vertebrae, respectively. Analgesia was determined by lack of sensory perception to electrical stimulation (> 40 milliamps) and absence of response to needle pricks extending from coccyx to S2 dermatomes. Electrocardiogram, heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, arterial blood pressure, arterial acid‐base (pH, standard bicarbonate and base excess), gas tensions (PO₂, PCO₂), PCV, oxyhemoglobin and total solids concentrations, and numerical scores of perineal analgesia, sedation (head drop), and ataxia (position of pelvic limbs) were determined before and during a 5‐hour testing period. Analysis of variance (anova ) with repeated measures was used to detect significant (p < 0.05) differences of mean values from baseline. Results Epidurally administered ropivacaine induced variable analgesia extending bilaterally from coccyx to S2 (three mares), coccyx to S3 (four mares), and coccyx to S4 (three mares), with minimal sedation, ataxia, and cardiovascular and respiratory disturbances of mares. Perineal analgesia was attained at 10 ± 4 minutes and lasted for 196 ±42 minutes (mean ± SD). Five mares demonstrated inadequate perineal analgesia, probably attributable to deviation of the spinal needle from the midline. They were successfully blocked with ropivacaine on another occasion. Epidural ropivacaine significantly reduced repiratory rates of mares and did not change other variables from baseline. Conclusions and clinical relevance Ropivacaine (0.5%, 8 mL 500 kg^?1) can be administered caudal epidurally to produce prolonged (> 2.5 hours) bilateral perineal analgesia with minimal sedation, ataxia, and circulatory and respiratory disturbances in standing mares.     

Analgesic and cardiopulmonary effects of intrathecally administered romifidine or romifidine and ketamine in goats (Capra hircus)

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of romifidine alone (50 microg/kg) and a combination of romifidine (50 microg/kg) and ketamine (2.5 mg/kg) after intrathecal administration in goats. Ten adult goats of either sex weighing between 15 and 20 kg were randomly placed in 2 groups (groups I and II). The agents were administered at the lumbosacral subarachnoid space. Clinico-physiological parameters such as analgesia, motor incoordination, sedation, salivation, heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial pressure, central venous pressure and rectal temperature were studied. Other haematobiochemical parameters monitored were packed cell volume, haemoglobin, plasma proteins, glucose, urea and creatinine. The onset of analgesia was faster in group II (35.5 +/- 6.25 s) compared to that of group I (5.2 +/- 0.54 min). Analgesia of the tail, perineum, hind limbs, flank and thorax was mild to moderate in group I, but complete analgesia of tail, perineum and hind limbs was recorded in group II. Motor incoordination was mild in group I and severe in group II. Significant reduction in heart rate (more pronounced in group I) and respiratory rate (more pronounced in group II), and a significant increase in central venous pressure were recorded in both groups. Mean arterial pressure was reduced in both groups, but more markedly in group I. Sedation, electrocardiogram, rectal temperature and haemato-biochemical parameters did not show significant differences between the 2 groups. The results of this study indicated a possible synergistic analgesic interaction between intrathecally administered romifidine and ketamine, without causing any marked systemic effects in goats.     

Antagonism of Detomidine-Induced Sedation,Analgesia, Clinicophysiological,and Hematobiochemical Effects in Donkeys Using IV Tolazoline or Atipamezole

The present study aimed to investigate and evaluate the reversal of sedation, analgesia, ataxia, clinicophysiological findings, and hematobiochemical effects of detomidine by subsequent IV administration of tolazoline or atipamezole to improve safety and utility of detomidine in donkeys. Six mature donkeys weighing 250–300 kg and aged 4–6 years were used on three separate occasions. Each donkey received the following three treatments at the rate of one treatment per week in a randomized crossover study. The first group received 0.04 mg/kg bwt detomidine. The second group received 0.04 mg/kg bwt detomidine followed by 4.0 mg/kg bwt tolazoline. The third group received 0.04 mg/kg bwt detomidine followed by 0.4 mg/kg bwt atipamezole. Sedation, analgesia, ataxia, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were recorded at 5 minutes before, then at 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes after injections. Red blood cell and white blood cell counts, Packed cell volume (%), hemoglobin, total protein, cholesterol, glucose, urea, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, and gamma glutamyl transferase values were determined. Detomidine induced deep sedation, complete analgesia, and significant ataxia. Pulse and respiratory rates were decreased from the base line values, although rectal temperature was within the baseline value. The alterations in hematological and hematobiochemical parameters were mild and transient.