Comparison of bupivacaine, xylazine and buprenorphine for spinal analgesia in buffalo calves

Eighteen male buffalo calves aged 7–8 months and weighing 60–75 kg were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lumbosacral spinal analgesia produced by bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg, xylazine 0.05 mg/kg and buprenorphine 20 μg/kg in groups A, B and C, respectively. The onset of analgesia was significantly (P<0.01) faster in group A as compared to groups B and C. Moderate analgesia spread from thorax to tail in groups A and B. Buprenorphine produced mild analgesia of tail and perineum only. Ataxia was severe in groups A and B. Xylazine produced maximal sedation. Plasma glucose increased significantly (P<0.05) after administration of bupivacaine or xylazine. Plasma urea nitrogen decreased significantly (P<0.05) in all groups. Plasma creatinine increased significantly (P<0.05) in group A. Plasma cortisol increased in all groups, group C had significantly higher cortisol levels than group B. It was concluded that bupivacaine and xylazine have similar analgesic potency on spinal administration in buffaloes. Both drugs produced only transient alterations in haematobiochemical parameters and therefore, may be considered for spinal use in buffalo calves. Buprenorphine is a poor analgesic agent when used spinally in buffalo calves.