Evaluation of xylazine-diazepam-ketamine anaesthesia in mules: Anaesthetic, haemato-biochemical, and blood gas studies

Abstract

The present study was conducted on 6 clinically healthy adult mules of both sexes (4 females and 2 castrated males), with the approval of IAEC, to evaluate the total intravenous anaesthesia with diazepam-ketamine mixture following xylazine premedication. The anaesthetic combination resulted in quick induction (1.84±0.52 min), prolonged sedation, good to moderate analgesia, moderate muscle relaxation, and smooth and quick recovery. The duration of anaesthesia was 15.21±0.64 min. During recovery, limb and head movements, sternal recumbency, standing ataxia, and normal gait were attained at 16.0±3.21min, 23.30±1.23min, 25.5±3.20 min, and 32.75±3.25 min, respectively, from the time of diazepam-ketamine administration. The anaesthetic combination did not have significant effect on rectal temperature, haemato-biochemical parameters, blood gases, electrolytes, and oxygen status except a significant progressive decrease in the heart rate form the base value up to 15 min after induction, returning to the base level by 45 min, and significant fluctuations in the respiratory rate within the physiological limits. The partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood decreased to below normal during anaesthesia, however, the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin and oxygen content of blood were well maintained throughout the period of anaesthesia. The combination can be used safely for moderate depth of anaesthesia in mules.