The sedative, analgesic and cardiovascular effects of high dose of xylazine with or without atropine in water buffalo calves (Bubalus Bubalis)‎

Abstract EN

The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the sedative, analgesic and cardiovascular effects of high dose of xylazine alone and with atropine in buffalo calves.

In an experimental crossover study, calves were treated with xylazine 0.1mg/kg (X1), xylazine 0.15 mg/kg (X2), atropine-xylazine 0.04 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg (AX1) and atropine-xylazine 0.04 mg/kg and 0.15 mg/kg (AX2).

The onset and duration of sedation and analgesia effects, ECG, physiological and haemato-biochemical parameters were evaluated.

All treatments resulted in deep sedation and mild to moderate analgesia started after 5 min from the injection.

The duration of sedation achieved with X1, X2, AX1 and AX2 was 89±8, 105±6, 73±5 and 87±7 min respectively.

While, the duration of analgesia achieved with X1, X2, AX1 and AX2 was 75±2, 86±5, 60±3 and 76±5 min respectively.

Heart rate was significantly decreased after X1 and X2 (p<0.01) while it was significantly increased after AX1 and AX2 administration (p< 0.05).

In ECG, 2nd degree heart block developed after X1 and X2 administration.

Salivation was decreased after AX1 and AX2.

All haemato-biochemical parameters return to baseline levels at 24h.

In conclusion, both xylazine and atropine-xylazine produce similar sedative and analgesic effects, but, atropine effectively antagonist the high dose of xylazine associated bradycardia and increased salivation.

Therefore, we suggested that it may be safely to use atropine-xylazine combination in buffalo calves