Effects of propofol on haematological and blood biochemical profile of buffalo calves

The study was undertaken in eight buffalo calves of 18 to 24 months and weighing 150 to 180 kg to assess the behavioural, haematological and blood biochemical changes during propofol anaesthesia. Animals started to show CNS depression in 31 seconds. Transient apnoea was observed in all the animals at 1.24 min and duration of apnoea was 2.36±0.59 min. Initiation of recovery was marked by return of palpebral reflex at 9.10±0.20 min. All the animals stood up voluntarily at 16.45±3.14 min. Complete recovery took 28.38±3.29 min. Red blood cell count decreased significantly at peak effect of propofol. There was hyperglycemia at peak effect of propofol that continued till recovery. Intra-erythrocytic sodium increased significantly at 24 hr of propofol injection. The minimum resistance of erythrocytes range was 0.60–0.65% salt solution at which lysis began and the maximum resistance at which lysis appeared to be complete was 0.10% of salt solution, before and after administration of propofol.