Evaluation of pancuronium bromide as muscle relaxant in buffalo calves

The study was done on 16 buffalo calves of 1–2.5 yr of age weighing 120 to 300 kg. Pancuronium bromide was administered 25 μg/kg b.wt, i.v. The animals showed ataxia at 0.98±0.07 min, and became recumbent at 1.41±0.06 min. The fore limbs were relaxed (2.24±0.08 min) earlier than the hind limbs (2.53±0.09 min). Complete relaxation of tail, ear, anus and preputial sheath was observed at 3.92±0.04 min. Involuntary defaecation and urination were also observed in all animals. Laboured breathing with marked alar opening was observed at 3.02±0.09 min. The animals remained calm and quiet, with constriction of pupil and presence of cutaneous reflex from 3.92±0.04 to 16.25±0.16 min. Spontaneous movements of tail and ear were noticed at 16.25±0.16 min. The animals returned to sternal recumbency at 17.52±0.18 min and stood up of their own and walked with ataxia at 18.10±0.10 min, while ataxia disappeared at 26.01±0.26 min. Both tachycardia and bradypnoea were significant during the effect of drug, however, MAP was marginally lower than the base value. The electroencephalograms showed.frequent spikes (n=7) and occasional rapid burst of high amplitude waves (n=3) against the background of b-rhythm with slightly increased voltage. Complete atrioventricular dissociation at 10 min and AV block of varying degree was observed in all animals.