Evaluation of atropine-xylazine-propofol anaesthesia in buffalo calves

The study was undertaken to evaluate atropine (0.04 mg/kg, i.m.) - xylazine (0.1 mg/kg, i.m.) - propofol (1.5 mg/kg, i.v.) as an anaesthetic combination in six buffalo calves. Atropine 0.04 mg/kg was administered i.m.; 15 min later, xylazine 0.1 mg/kg was administered i.m. Anaesthesia was induced 15 min after xylazine injection with single bolus of 1% propofol 1.5 mg/kg b.wt administered intravenously. A decrease in spontaneous activity with sternal or lateral recumbency was seen after xylazine administration. Loss of swallowing reflex and complete analgesia occurred after propofol administration. Recovery took 108.0±9.75 min of propofol administration. Heart rate increased significantly after atropine administration. There was a decrease in respiratory rate after propofol administration. A significant increase in plasma glucose was recorded after xylazine administration, which remained significantly elevated till recovery. Chloride level also increased significantly after xylazine administration. However, almost all the parameters reached near normal level by 24 hr. It was concluded that atropine-xylazine-propofol anaesthesia may be used safely for short duration anaesthesia in buffalo calves.