<div>This study was aimed at investigating the effects of xylazine-ketamine, xylazine-propofol and xylazine-ketamine-propofol combinations on oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity and blood gases in sheep. Excluding the control animals, the sheep included in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were administered with combinations of xylazine-ketamine, xylazine-propofol and xylazine-ketamine-propofol, respectively, by intravenous route. The comparison of the three treatment groups with the control group showed that no significant difference existed for TAS, TOS, MDA and CAT levels. &nbsp;The evaluation of blood gas and electrolyte levels demonstrated a significant decrease in PvO2, cSO2, Na, and Ca levels, and a significant increase in glucose levels. In result, this study showed that the three anaesthetic combinations tested did not have any adverse effect on the oxidant/antioxidant status, but caused significant alterations in blood gas levels. &nbsp;</div>


<div>Effects of xylazine-ketamine, xylazine-propofol and xylazine-ketamine-propofol administration on free radical generation and blood gases in sheep</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Endotracheal intubation for inhalation anaesthesia in pigs is not considered a good anaesthetic method as it is technically difficult because of oral anatomy and the presence of excess tissues in the oropharyngeal region. Moreover, the major limitation of inhalation anaesthesia is that it requires the use of a cumbersome and costly anaesthetic machine, including a suitable breathing system and vaporizer and is the exposure of operating-room personnel to the pollution in the ambient air. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of propofol, ketamine and their combination &lsquo;Ketofol&rsquo; as a TIVA in pigs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted in eighteen piglets of either sex. The piglets were randomly divided into three groups with six animals in each group. All the three groups were premedicated with Atropine sulphate @ 0.04mg/kg body weight and Xylazine Hydrochloride @ 1mg/kg body weight I.M. and Medazolam @ 0.5mg/kg body weight I.M. with minimum forcible restraint as pre-anaesthetic. In group-I, propofol @ 5mg/kg body weight, in group-II, ketamine @ 5mg/kg body weight and in group-III, ketofol @ 4mg/kg body weight was administered intravenously for induction after 15 minutes of pre-anaesthetic administration. Surgical anaesthesia was maintained for 90 minutes in all three groups <em>viz</em>. group-I, group-II and group-III with propofol @ 2.5mg/kg, ketamine @ 2.5mg/kg and ketofol @ 2mg/kg body weight respectively by intermittent bolus injection (IBI) technique. Clinical and cardiopulmonary profiles were evaluated before administration of the anaesthetic agent (0 minutes) then at 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes during and after administration of anaesthetic agents to evaluate their anaesthetic effect.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The study revealed that induction time (IT), duration of analgesia (DOA), duration of recumbency (DOR) and recovery time (RT) interval showed better result in the combination of ketamine and propofol group as compared to propofol and ketamine-induced individual group. The temperature and respiration rate was significantly decreased in all the groups at 30 minutes during TIVA whereas heart rate was significantly increased in all the groups at 15 minutes. The combination of ketamine and propofol group showed a consistent diastolic pressure and systolic pressure during the entire period of anaesthesia. The SPO<sub>2</sub> in the ketamine-induced group showed a significant decrease (P&lt;0.01) as compared to the propofol and ketofol group. It was concluded that the anaesthetic drug combinations resulted in smooth and uneventful induction with mild cardiopulmonary depressions and rapid recovery.</div>


<p>Anaesthetic Effects of Propofol, Ketamine and their Combination (Ketofol) as Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) in Pigs</p>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>The non-availability of the sophisticated anaesthetic machine and the necessary equipment to administer inhalant anaesthetic in the field hospitals make their use practically unfeasible for the field veterinarians. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of propofol, ketamine and their combination &lsquo;Ketofol&rsquo; as a TIVA on certain haematological, serum biochemical and hormonal profiles in atropine and xylazine premedicated dogs.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted in eighteen clinical cases of dogs of either sex. The animals were randomly divided into three groups with six animals in each group. All the three groups were premedicated with Atropine sulphate @ 0.04mg/kg body weight and xylazine HCl @ 0.5mg/kg body weight intramuscularly. In group-I, propofol @ 5mg/kg body weight, in group-II, ketamine @ 5mg/kg body weight and in group-III, ketofol @ 4mg/kg body weight was administered intravenously for induction after 15 minutes of pre-anesthetic administration. Surgical anaesthesia was maintained for 90 minutes in all three groups <em>viz</em>. group-I, group-II and group-III with propofol @ 2.5mg/kg. b.w., ketamine @ 2.5mg/kg b.wt. and ketofol @ 2mg/kg b.wt. respectively by intermittent bolus injection (IBI) technique. Haematological, serum biochemical and hormonal profile were evaluated before administration of the anaesthetic agent (0 minutes) then at 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes during and after administration of anaesthetic agents.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The study revealed that Hb, PCV and TEC were significantly decreased in all the groups at 60 mints and 30 mints respectively. The biochemical evaluation revealed that blood glucose level was significantly increased in all the groups until the end of the experiment. &nbsp;BUN and creatinine value was a significant increase in group-I and group-II than group-III at different time intervals up to the end of the experiment. In all the groups&rsquo; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values significantly increased up to 60<sup>th</sup> minutes during TIVA whereas AST value was significantly increased in group-II at 30<sup>th</sup> and 60<sup>th</sup> minute of the experiment in compare to group-I and group-III. A higher level of cortisol values was recorded in group-I animals for the entire period of observation. There were no changes observed in the case of T<sub>3</sub>. Transient variables of haemato-biochemical have been reported following propofol, ketamine and their combination (ketofol) as total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). Thus, it has been concluded that diligent monitorization and electrolyte support are essential during the period of anaesthesia.&nbsp;</div>


<div>Effects of Propofol, Ketamine and their Combination (ketofol) as Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) on Haematological, Serum Biochemical and Hormonal Profile in the Surgical Management of Canine Patients</div>


<div style="text-align:justify"><strong>Background:</strong> The study was conducted to evaluate the cardiopulmonary functions in dog under propofol, ketamine and isoflurane anaesthesia premedicated with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Four groups of dogs (A,B,C and D) comprising of six animals in each groups were premedicated with glycopyrrolate @ 0.01 mg/kg, dexmedetomidine @5&mu;g/kg IV and Butorphanol @ 0.1mg/kg IV. Induction was done with propofol (A and B) and with ketamine (C and D). The anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane (A and C), propofol (B) and ketamine (D). The cardiopulmonary functions were recorded at 0 minute (before premedication) and 20 minutes, 40 minutes and 60 minutes.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The heart rate decreased significantly in Group B while there was a significant gradual increase in heart rate in Group D. A significant decrease in respiratory rate was observed in all the groups with a lowest value in group D. The systolic pressure decreased significantly in Group A, B and C but in Group D, the systolic pressure decreased initially at 20 minute. The diastolic pressure decreased significantly in Group A and Group B and but in group D, the diastolic pressure decreased at 20 minute. A significant decrease in mean arterial pressure was recorded in Group A, B and C. In Group D, a decrease in the mean arterial pressure was noticed at 20 minute. The SpO<sub>2</sub> level remained near the base line values with slight variation in Group A and C where as the values remained at lower level from the base line value in Group B and D. The EtCO<sub>2</sub> level showed non-significant changes in Group A and C. In Group B and D, the EtCO<sub>2</sub> levels increased non-significantly with the highest value recorded in Group D. The ECG parameters remained within the normal limit with slight variation according to the heart rate.</div>


<div style="text-align:justify">Cardiopulmonary Functions in Dogs under Propofol, Ketamine and Isoflurane Anaesthesia Premedicated with Glycopyrrolate, Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol</div>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>The study was conducted to evaluate the immunological effects of Propofol, Ketamine and Isoflurane in Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol premedicated dogs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Four groups of dogs (A, B, C and D), 6 animals in each, were premedicated with Glycopyrrolate, Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol. Induction was done with Propofol (A and B) and Ketamine (C and D). Anaesthesia was maintained with Isoflurane (A and C), Propofol (B) and Ketamine (D). The cytokine mRNA expressions and cell mediated immunity response were studied before and after anesthesia at different time intervals.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>The down regulation of IL-2 was observed during the study period with significant changes in Group A, C and D except group B. The IL-4 and IL-10 showed non-significant up regulation in all the groups and gradually returned to the pre-induction level. The IL-6 showed significant down regulation at 2 hours and day 1 and up regulation on day 3 in all the groups. The TGF-&beta; showed up regulation in all the groups and then came to the pre-induction level with significant changes in Group A, C and D.</div>


<div>Immunological Effects of Propofol, Ketamine and Isoflurane in Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol Premedicated Dogs</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Combination of glycopyrrolate, butorphanol, xylazine as premedication and induction with propofol and maintenance with ketamine, propofol and propofol mixtures (Ketofol 1:1) as constant rate infusion (CRI) would have the ability to maintain better hemodynamic and reduce the dose of general anesthesia for maintenance. This technique once gets standardized; it may transfer to field veterinarians for elective ovariectomy under a routine animal birth control programme (ABC) for safe handling of canines. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate haemodynamic and haemato-biochemical changes with Ketamine, Propofol and Ketofol as CRI anesthesia in dogs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted on 18 female dogs during 2019-2021 and these animals were randomly divided into three experimental groups, each group (I, II and III) containing six animals. All animals were pre-medicated with glycopyrrolate @ 0.01 mg/kg b.wt I/M followed by inj. butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg b.wt and xylazine 1mg/kg b.wt I/M after 5 minutes by using different syringes. After 10 minutes of xylazine, animals were induced (till effect) with propofol and immediately just after induction animals were maintained with constant rate infusion of ketamine, propofol and ketofol 1:1 along with normal saline @ 10 ml/kg/hr.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> Cardiovascular parameters showed that the value of systolic arterial pressure increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) after pre-medication in all three groups in comparisons to respective base values. Value of diastolic arterial pressure increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) after pre-medication in groups I and II, whereas non-significantly (p&gt;0.05) in group III in comparisons to respective base values. Hemoglobin and PCV values decreased non-significantly after pre-medication and remained non-significantly lower at various intervals in comparison to respective base values during observation periods except at recovery in group II. Changes in TLC did not show a definite pattern and values of TEC in all groups changed non-significantly (p&gt;0.05) at various time intervals in comparison to respective base values during the observation period.&nbsp;</div>


<p>Haemodynamic and Haemato-Biochemical Changes with Ketamine, Propofol and Ketofol as Constant Rate Infusion Anesthesia for Elective Ovariectomy in Dogs</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of propofol and ketamine as induction agent to isoflurane and as continuous rate infusion on haematobiochemical parameters in dogs premedicated with glycopyrrolate, dexmedetomidine and butorphenol.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Twenty four animals were randomly divided into four Groups (A, B, C and D) comprising six animals in each. All the animals were premedicated with glycopyrrolate, dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol. Induction was done with propofol in group A and B and with ketamine in group C and D. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in group A and C and with propofol and ketamine continuous rate infusion in group B and D, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 0(before premedication), 20, 40 and 60 min (during maintenance) to evaluate different haematobiochmical parameters.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The haemoglobin levels decreased in all the groups but significantly in Group C and Group D. The total erythrocyte count decreased in all the groups with significant change in Group D. The TLC, PCV, platelet, lymphocyte and monocyte count decreased non-significantly. The neutrophil, granulocyte count in all the groups increased non-significantly over the different observation period. The serum glucose and LDH increased significantly in all the groups. The GGT, alkaline phosphatise, BUN and serum creatinine increased non-significantly in all the groups.</div>


<p>Effects of Propofol and Ketamine as Induction Agent to Isoflurane and as Continuous Rate Infusion on Haematobiochemical Parameters in Dogs Premedicated with Glycopyrrolate, Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> Anaesthetic management of horses for a successful surgery is of utmost importance but a risky procedure than other companion animals. Peri-aneasthetic morbidity and mortality in horses could be alarming if proper combinations of drugs were not used. Balanced anaesthetic combinations are being explored by various authors to find safer combinations.Therefore current study was planned to evaluate the effect of CRI of ketamine alone and ketamine-dexmedetomidine combination for isoflurane anesthesia in horses.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty four clinical cases of horses were randomly divided into three groups S, D and DK, having eight animals in each. Xylazine (1 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg) were given intravenously for premedication and ketamine (2 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) were used for induction of anesthesia. Normal saline (1000 ml/hour), ketamine alone (2 mg/kg/hr), ketamine (2 mg/kg/hr) and dexmedetomidine (2 &micro;g/kg/hr) combination were given as CRI in groups S, K and KD, respectively. Thiopentone sodium (200 mg bolus, 5%) was given as fast intravenous to facilitate endotracheal intubation in some of the cases. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and anesthetic efficacy was evaluated based on clinical and haematological parameters.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>Overall quality of sedation, muscle relaxation, response to surgical stimuli, quality of intubation, anesthetic depth and quality of recovery was significantly (p&lt;0.05) better in group KD. Down-time (min) and duration of anesthesia were non significantly less in group KD. CRI of ketamine and dexmedetomidine combination was having significant (p&lt;0.05) thiopentone sodium and isoflurane sparing effect.&nbsp; Heart rateand RR, did not show any significant variation among groups but rectal temperature was significantly low in KD group than groups S and K. CRI of ketamine-Dexmedetomidine combination produced a better quality of anesthesia and significant thiopentone sodium and isoflurane sparing effect thus was found suitable for anesthesia of horses.</p>


<p>Clinical and Hematological Effect of Constant Rate Infusion of Ketamine Alone and Ketamine-dexmedetomidine Combination on Isoflurane Anesthesia in Horses</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> As cats undergo stress at the time of presentation before surgery and therefore sedation is required often. It is very difficult to choose a balanced anaesthetic protocol during the surgical intervention in the case of a cat. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ketamine hydrochloride in combination with midazolam, dexmedetomidine and butorphanol as balanced anaesthesia on clinico-physiological, haematological, serum biochemical profile in the surgical management of cats undergoing neutering.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>The study was performed on 18 clinical cases of cats which were brought to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (CVSc and AH), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram for elective surgery such as neutering. Cats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups, <em>i.e</em>. Gr. A, Gr. B and Gr. C. Animals were premedicated with glycopyrrolate @ 0.01 mg/kg, i/m. After 10 minutes of premedication, in Gr. A ketamine hydrochloride @15 mg/kg and midazolam @ 0.5 mg/kg, in Gr. B ketamine hydrochloride @10 mg/ kg and dexmedetomidine@ 5 mcg /kg and in Gr. C ketamine hydrochloride @ 5 mg/kg, dexmedetomidine@ 5 mcg/kg and butorphanol @ 0.2 mg/kg was administered intramuscularly. Clinico-physiological and haemato-biochemical profiles were evaluated at 0 minute (baseline), then at 15, 30 and 60 minutes after administration of anaesthetic agents to evaluate their anaesthetic effect.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>In the case of time for induction, the quality of induction, assessment of peri-operative analgesia, depth of anaesthesia and quality of recovery there was no significant difference among all three groups. In Gr. B, animals showed significantly higher duration of recumbency (DOE) and recovery. The assessment of peri-operative analgesic effect among the groups revealed that analgesia during the perioperative period appeared best in Gr. C protocol. In regards to depth of anaesthesia, ketamine hydrochloride in combination with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol group showed a better result. Rectal temperature decreased significantly (P&gt;0.05) up to 60<sup>th</sup> minutes in Gr. A, but it remained within the physiological range. Heart rate raised significantly (p&lt;0.05) from the baseline (0 minutes) onwards and decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) till the end (60 minutes) of the study in Gr. C. The respiration rate was significantly (p&lt;0.01) different in between time intervals for all three groups. No significant difference was observed on haemato-biochemical observation except glucose level which significantly increased after induction of anaesthesia. In conclusion, treatment with ketamine hydrochloride in combination with dexmedetomidine and butorphanol led to acceptable sedation and mild changes in clinico-physiological, haematological, serum biochemical profile in comparison to the other two groups.</div>


<p>Evaluation of Ketamine Hydrochloride in Combination with Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol as Balanced Anaesthesia in Cats</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Ketamine is rarely used alone because of its association with poor muscle relaxation, tachycardia, catalepsy or muscle rigidity and therefore commonly used in combination with alpha 2 agonist or opioid to minimize the untoward effects. The aim of the present anaesthetic study was to evaluate the clinico-physiological effects of ketamine alone and in combination with dexmedetomidine or butorphanol for inducing adequate anaesthesia in dogs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The present anaesthetic study was conducted on 18 (eighteen) healthy dogs of either sex and randomly divided into three groups (K, DK and BK) with six animals in each group. Atropine sulphate @ 0.04 mg/ kg was administered intramuscularly 15 minutes prior to anaesthetic study to all the animals. In group K, ketamine HCl alone was administered @ 5 mg/kg by slow i/v and kept as control. In group DK and BK, after administration of atropine sulphate 15 minutes later dexmedetomidine @ 10 &micro;g/kg i/m and butorphanol @ 0.2 mg/kg i/m were administered respectively. Ten minutes later ketamine HCl was administered @ 5 mg/kg slowly intravenously in both group DK and BK to induce surgical stage of general anaesthesia. The following clinical parameters were recorded <em>viz</em>., onset of sedation, onset of anaesthesia, degree of analgesia, extent of muscle relaxation, duration of anaesthesia and complete recovery. The physiological parameters (rectal temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate) were recorded before anaesthetic study at 0 min. and at 10 minutes after preanaesthetic administration and then at 10, 20, 40, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes after ketamine anaesthesia. All the data were analyzed using SPSS v 15.0 statistics software program and presented as mean&plusmn;Standard Error.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The onset of sedation was quicker in group DK followed by group K and BK. Duration of anaesthesia and complete recovery in group DK was significantly (p&lt;0.01) longer than in group K and BK. The degree of analgesia was excellent in group DK and good in group K and BK. The extent of muscle relaxation was excellent in group DK, good in group BK and was poor in group K. The physiological parameters showed transient changes which compensated and remained within normal range during the observation period. The above anaesthetic study suggests that ketamine in combination with dexmedetomidine or butorphanol can be safely used for inducing adequate anaesthesia in dogs. However, dexmedetomidine-ketamine can be used safely for longer duration of surgical procedures in dogs.</div>
