Physiological, Haematological and Biochemical Responses in Goats Premedicated with Α₂-Agonist-Opioid Combinations under TIVA and PIVA Protocols
Sanjaykumar Vithalrao Udharwar
KVK North Goa, ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, India.
John Martin K.D
University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Thrissur, KVASU, Kerala, India.
Sudheesh S. Nair
Clinical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts, West Indies.
Anoop S
Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, Thrissur, KVASU, Kerala, India.
Jayakumar C
Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur, KVASU, Kerala, India.
Aziz Zarina
Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, KVASU, Kerala, India.
Giggin T *
Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the physiological and haematological responses of goats premedicated with xylazine–butorphanol or dexmedetomidine–butorphanol and induced with tiletamine–zolazepam, under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and partial intravenous anaesthesia (PIVA) protocols, to assess their clinical safety and suitability for routine surgical procedures.
Study Design: Randomised, prospective clinical experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy and the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Thrissur, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, India, between 2020 to 2023.
Methodology: Twenty-four clinically healthy goats of either sex were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6). Groups I and III received xylazine–butorphanol, while Groups II and IV received dexmedetomidine–butorphanol as premedication. Anaesthesia was induced using tiletamine–zolazepam in all animals. Anaesthetic maintenance was achieved through TIVA using constant rate infusion in Groups I and II, and through PIVA with isoflurane in oxygen in Groups III and IV. Physiological parameters were recorded at baseline, post-induction, during maintenance and recovery. Haematological parameters were also evaluated. Data were analysed using appropriate parametric statistical tests.
Results: A significant decrease in respiratory rate and rectal temperature, along with a mild increase in capillary refill time, was observed following induction in all groups. Peripheral oxygen saturation remained within normal physiological limits throughout the anaesthetic period, with comparatively higher values in PIVA groups. Haematological parameters showed transient but statistically significant changes in some groups after induction; however, all values remained within normal physiological ranges. Serum biochemical parameters remained within normal physiological limits in all groups. No clinically significant adverse effects were observed, and recovery was smooth in all animals.
Conclusion: Both premedications, combined with tiletamine–zolazepam induction and maintenance under TIVA or PIVA, provided effective and clinically safe anaesthesia in goats. The protocols can be reliably employed for routine surgical procedures in both field and referral clinical settings.
Keywords: Small ruminant anaesthesia, α₂-adrenergic agonists, tiletamine–zolazepam, total intravenous anaesthesia, partial intravenous anaesthesia, Anaesthetic safety, cardiopulmonary parameters