Evaluation of propofol alone and with ketamine for anaesthesia in atropinized goats

Eight adult female goats weighing 10–15 kg were divided into 2 groups of4 animals each. Animals of group I received propofol 'to effect' i.v., 20 min after i.m. injection ofatropine sulphate 0.05 mg/kg b.wt. In group II ketamine 11 mg/kg b.wt was injected i.m. 10 min prior to i.v. administration of propofol 'to effect'. The dose and time schedule ofatropine in group II was similar to that in group I. Propofol in combination with ketamine induced significantly (P<0.01) early onset and longer duration of anaesthesia. The dose of propofol significantly (P<0.01) in group II as compared to that in group I. Non-significant alterations in temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate were observed in both groups. A transient apnoea was observed in 50% animals in group I, and 25% animals in group II. Salivation was profuse in group I and mild in group II. Recovery was shorter, smooth and uneventful in group I at an average time of 9.5±1.29 min, while animals of group II attained complete recovery in 39.8±1.74 min, which was significantly (P<0.01) longer than that in group I. The results of the present study suggested that ketamine can be used in combination with propofol to produce longer duration of surgical anaesthesia in goats.