Diazepam and azaperone as premedicants to ketamine anaesthesia in pigs

Twelve pigs were divided into two equal groups, I and II, which were premedicated with i.m. injection of diazepam 4 mg/kg and azaperone 4mg/kg b.wt, respectively. Ketamine 10 mg/kg was injected i.m. into both groups after premedication. Induction time was short and duration of anaesthesia was adequate in both groups. Recovery was smooth in group II, while drowsiness persisted in group I. Muscle relaxation was adequate in group I. Heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature decreased in group I, while in group II, the heart rate decreased but the respiratory rate and rectal temperature remained within normal limit. Respiratory tidal volume and minute volume were increased in both groups. MAP decreased consistently in both groups throughout the period of study. Oxygen saturation of haemoglobin reduced slightly without producing hypoxia.