Haematobiochemical changes following epidural administration of xylazine and ketamine in buffalo calves

Abstract

Clinically healthy male buffalo calves (12) were divided in 3 groups of 4 animals to study the ha emotobiochemical changes following epidural administration of xylazine and their combination of xylazine(@0.05mg/kg) and ketamine (@!2mg/kg). respcctively, were administered at the first intercoccygeal epidural space. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of'haemoglobin (Hb)- packed-cell volume (PVC), total leukocyte count (TLC), plasma glucose, total proteins, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, urea nitrogen, creatinine and gamma glutamy transferase (GGT) up to 48 hr after injection of drug (s). Reduction in Hb. PCV and TLC was noticed from 30 to 120 min in animals of all the groups. A significant hyperglycemia was recorded in aninlais of all the groups, which was for slightly longer duration in group C.A significant (P&lt0.05) decrease in plasma proteins was recorded in animals of group A. In animals of groups B and C no significant change in total plasma proteins was recorded. A nonsignificant decrease in plasma albumin and nonsignificant increase in plasma globulin was recorded in all the groups. A transient but significant (P&lt0.05) increase in urea nitrogen, crcatinine and GGT was recorded in animals of all the groups. The values for these parameters, however, remained within the normal reference range. Since. the changes in various haematobiochemical parameters were only transient and reversible, these drugs could be considered safe for epidural analgesia in buffalo calves. however, the combination of xylnzine and ketamine was better than xylazine alone.