Clinicophysiological, haematobiochemical and haemodynamic effect of propofol and ketamine with dexmedetomidine in urolithic goats

Urolithiasis is a common clinical condition of almost all domestic animals but higher incidence has been recorded in bovine and caprine [1]. Several anaesthetic techniques with different drugs have been used for the management of urolithiasis. Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) for short procedures seems to carry a lower risk of intraanaesthetic death than volatile agents [2]. In veterinary practice, intravenous anaesthetic drugs are commonly used as induction agents to facilitate endotracheal intubation, whilst inhalation anaesthetic agents form the foundation for maintenance of general anaesthesia [3]. Volatile anaesthetics cause dosedependent cardiopulmonary depression and hypoventilation. Blood pressure is preserved better during infusion of injectable drugs but this does not always reflect overall cardiopulmonary function [4]. Dexmedetomidine, a new -agonist, reduces the dose requirements of opioids and anaesthetic agents and attenuates the haemodynamic responses to tracheal intubation and surgical stimuli and has been studied in goats, however, its clinical effects are presumed to be comparable with those of racemic medetomidine [5]. Intravenous anaesthetic agents used for maintenance of anaesthesia in animals include propofol and ketamine [6] as continuous intravenous infusion. Propofol, a short-acting hypnotic agent, is usually injected as a single bolus for induction to allow intubation and initiation of inhalant anaesthesia, a popular technique in small animals [7]. Propofol has been investigated as intravenous anaesthetic in sheep [8], goats [9] and buffaloes [6]. Propofol has been accepted as the most useful agent for maintenance of anaesthesia, either by intermittent bolus infusion or continuous intravenous infusion [6]. Ketamine has been used for maintenance of anaesthesia, either by intermittent bolus infusion or continuous intravenous infusion [6]. There is limited literature regarding the use of dexmedetomidine in goats, further, these drugs along with propofol and ketamine has not been used in uraemic er α2 Veterinary World, EISSN: 2231-0916 Available at www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.7/August-2014/4.pdf