Caudal epidural analgesia in calves using different local analgesics

Analgesic effects were conducted with 2% lignocaine hydrochloride (LH), 2% lignocaine hydrochloride with adrenaline (LHA) and 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride (BH) in calves of both sexes. Analgesic drugs were injected into caudal epidural space in 30 apparently healthy calves of below one year of age. A total of 30 analgesic trials were done, where heart rate, respiration rate and rectal temperature were monitored. Heart rate and respiratory rate significantly (P<0.05) decreased from preanalgesic values, during caudal epidural analgesia period with 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride. Heart rate increased significantly (P<0.001) from preanalgesic values when 2% lignocaine plus adrenaline was used. Only lignocaine hydrochloride showed a short onset, rapid spreading without having any side effect. Duration of analgesia was prolonged with 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride compared to other analgesic agent. Drowsiness, tympany and shivering were observed when 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride was used. Bupivacaine seemed to be better for longer duration of analgesia compared to lignocaine. But lignocaine hydrochloride may be used for rapid onset of analgesia in calves.