Acid-base and blood gas studies after xyiazine epidural analgesia in calves

Epidural analgesia was induced using xyiazine hydrochloride at two dose rates viz., 0.05 and 0.10 mg per kg body weight in five experimental bull calves. A significant dose dependant increase in the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (P_aCO₂) and base excess values; a significant dose dependant decrease in partial pressure of arterial oxygen (P_aCO₂) and no significant effect on the arterial pH (pHg) were recorded indicating development of respiratory acidosis and metabolic alkalosis. Based on the acid-base and arterial blood gas studies, xyiazine is more suitable for epidural use at 0.05 mg per kg body weight in calves.