Evaluation of dexmedetomidine alone and its combination with ketamine and ropivacaine for tube cystostomy in urolithic buffalo calves

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate clinicophysiological and biochemical effects of dexmedetomidine and its combination with ketamine and ropivacaine for tube cystostomy in urolithic buffalo calves. The study was conducted on 15 male buffalo calves of 3 to 4 months of age having the body weight of 40 to 50 kg which were suffering from urinary obstruction for 2 to 4 days. The animals were divided into three groups viz. D, DK and RDK on the basis of anesthetic agent(s) used. In Group D-dexmedetomidine 7.5 μg/kg, in Group DK- dexmedetomidine and ketamine 3.75 μg/kg and 2 mg/kg, respectively, and in Group RDK-ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine and ketamine 0.15 mg/kg, 2.5 μg/kg and 2 mg/kg, respectively, were administered subarachnoidally at lumbosacral space. In all the groups the onset of analgesia, extent and depth of analgesia at tail, perineum, inguinal region, thigh, digits, anterior flank, posterior flank, lower abdomen and thorax were recorded up to 90 minutes. The clinical examination revealed earliest onset of analgesia inGroup DK followed by Group RDK and Group D. However, duration of analgesia was similar in all the groups. Motor incoordination was recorded earlier in DK and RDK groups. Recovery time was shortest in dexmedetomidine (128.80±5.11 minutes) alone. Heart rate and respiratory rate decreased in all the groups. Rectal temperature decreased significantly in all the groups. Plasma glucose increased significantly in all the groups. However, plasma urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine values did not change significantly. It was concluded that RDK group provides better extent and depth of subarachnoid analgesia than D and DK with only transient and minor changes in physiological and biochemical parameters and therefore, could be used safely for tube cystostomy in urolithic buffalo calves.