Clinico-Physiohaemodynamic and Haemato-Biochemical Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine in Combination with Butorphanol and Ketamine Anaesthesia in Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The study was conducted to evaluate the preanaesthetic effects of two doses of dexmedetomidine (2.5 μgm kg^-1 and 4 μgm kg^-1) in combination with butorphanol (0.05 mg Kg^-1) and ketamine HCl (2 mg Kg^-1) administered intravenously in camels. Prospective randomised crossover experimental trials were conducted in 6 camels divided in two groups (n=6): D1BK and D2BK based on the dose of dexmedetomidine 2.5 μgm kg^-1 and 4 μgm kg^-1, respectively. Clinico-physiological parameters were recorded at T 0 (pre-administration), at induction T -I as well as at T-15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and T-180 minutes post-administration. Haemato-biochemical parameters were recorded at 0 min (pre-administration) and at induction T-I, at T-30, 60, 120 as well as T-180 minutes post-administration. All data were statistically analysed. The results revealed that the induction of anaesthesia was quicker in D2BK group (0.99 ± 0.02 min) than that in D1BK group (1.03 ± 0.020 min). The duration of anaesthesia, recovery time and complete recovery time 62.71 ± 2.07, 63.71± 2.08 and 93.59 ± 1.63 min, respectively were significantly (P<0.01) longer in D2BK group 44.61±1.37, 45.64 ± 1.37 and 71.08 ± 2.38 min, respectively than those in D1BK group. The quality of anaesthesia and degree of analgesia were significantly better (P<0.05) in D2BK group than those in D1BK group. Rectal temperature and blood pressure showed non-significant changes at different time intervals in both groups (P>0.05). Respiration rate decreased significantly (P<0.05) in D2BK group. Heart rate and pulse rate decreased significantly (P<0.05) in both D1BK and D2BK groups. Haemato-biochemical parameters showed non-significant variations during the period of study within the group and between the groups at different time intervals (P>0.05). In conclusion, dexmedetomidine is a clinically useful and safe to be employed as pre-anaesthetic drug in combination with butorphanol-ketamine anaesthesia in camels.