Blood gas, acid base and electrolyte changes during diazepam, midazolam premedication and halothane anaesthesia in buffaloes subjected to diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy

Abstract

Present study was designed to evaluate blood gas, acid base and electrolyte changes in buffaloes subjected to general
anaesthesia during diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy. The study was carried out on 12 animals divided randomly into 2 groups comprising 6 animals each. Diazepam and midazolam @ 0.2 mg/kg bwt were used as preanaesthetic agents in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Thiopental was administered for induction and halothane was used as maintenance agent. Heparinised blood samples from auricular artery were collected for estimation of blood gas, acid base and electrolyte status at varied intervals. Results showed that both anaesthetic combinations had no major alterations in blood electrolyte
values, however, electrolyte balance was better maintained in group 2. Significant decrease in blood pH, PaO₂ and increase in PaCO₂ and HCO₃ noticed during the observation period primarily suggested respiratory acidosis. It was concluded that to prevent respiratory acidosis mechanical ventilation should be maintained throughout the surgical procedure.