The anaesthetic effect of ropivacaine (0.6mg/kg) was evaluated by Clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical parameters in the uraemic (n=6) and healthy goats (n=6) after its lumbosacral epidural administration. The onset of analgesia was faster in healthy animals than in uraemic animals. Ropivacaine produced complete analgesia of tail, perineum, inguinal and thigh regions in all animals of both groups. However, healthy animals produced longer duration of complete analgesia than uraemic animals. Greater ataxia was produced in healthy animals than in uraemic animals. The physiological (heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature) and haematological (haemoglobin, packed cell volume and differential leukocyte count) parameters did not show any significant changes in both groups. However, total leukocyte count showed significantly higher values in uraemic animals. A significantly higher values of urea nitrogen and creatinine were recorded in uraemic animals. The blood electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl) and blood gases (pO2 and pCO2) did not show any significant changes in any group. However, base excess was significantly higher in uraemic animals. The changes in these parameters were, however, minimal, transient and became normal as the effect of the drug got over. Therefore, ropivacaine (0.6mg/kg) may be used in clinical situations in uraemic caprines and in the animals, which are under similar type of physiological stress.
Epidural anaesthesia, Goats, Ropivacaine, Uraemia goats
