Evaluation of Multimodal Anaesthesia Through Continuous Rate Infusion for Orthopaedic Surgery in Goats

A study was aimed to evaluate two total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) protocols for orthopaedic surgery in goats. Twelve goats were randomly allocated into two groups of six each to compare the effects of two anaesthetic combinations administered as continuous rate infusion (CRI). Gr I received dexmedetomidine-midazolam-propofol-lignocaine (DMPL), while Gr II received xylazine-midazolam-propofol-lignocaine (XMPL). Clinical, physiological, haemodynamic, haematological and biochemical characters were monitored. Both protocols provided rapid sedation, excellent induction and effortless endotracheal intubation. A stable surgical plane of anaesthesia was maintained for a mean duration of 105 min with complete analgesia and excellent muscle relaxation in both the groups. Predictable decreases in heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature were observed, with significant (P<0.05) reduction in mean arterial pressure from 90.17±0.70 to 83.10±0.94 mmHg. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation remained stable. Transient decreases in erythrocyte indices were noted at 120 min, which normalised by 48 h. Biochemical characters remained stable. Recoveries were smooth and excitement-free. Both the DMPL and XMPL protocols are effective and safe TIVA options for maintaining anaesthesia in goats during major orthopaedic surgeries. The primary distinction was a more pronounced mean arterial pressure decrease in XMPL, suggesting that DMPL offers slightly superior cardiovascular stability.