Propofol, etomidate, and their combination for induction of anaesthesia in atropine and dexmedetomidine premedicated goats undergoing orthopaedic interventions

Abstract

The study was conducted to compare propofol, etomidate and their combination (etofol) for anaesthesia in atropine and dexmedetomidine premedicated goats undergoing orthopaedic procedures. Eighteen goats were randomly divided into three groups, having six each. All animals were premedicated with atropine sulphate (0.045 mg/kg body weight, i.m.) and dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg, i.v.). Induction of anaesthesia was done with etomidate (1-2 mg/kg, i.v.), propofol (4 mg/kg, i.v.), and etofol (1:1 ratio, i.v.), and maintained using etomidate, propofol, and etofol (as required) in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Etofol demonstrated superior haemodynamic stability, improved muscle relaxation, and smoother induction compared with propofol or etomidate alone. Although heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, mean arterial pressure, and SpO₂ showed variations among the groups, all parameters remained within physiological limits throughout the study period. Recovery was significantly faster in the etomidate group. No adverse effects were observed with any of the anaesthetic protocols. Based on the overall anaesthetic performance, etofol appears to be the preferred induction agent in atropine- and dexmedetomidine-premedicated goats undergoing orthopaedic interventions.