Abstract
Simple SummaryElective bilateral ovariectomy in mule mares is recommended to correct undesirable behaviour effects related to oestrus and also in order to improve work performance. This procedure is usually carried out in a standing position with a combination of sedative and analgesic drugs along with local anaesthesia of the ovarian pedicles. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of epidural lidocaine-xylazine in sedated standing mules undergoing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy. The findings suggest that no significant changes were found in heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature with respect to baseline values. Sedation and analgesia were satisfactory in six out of the eight mules. Epidural analgesia with lidocaine-xylazine may be a good alternative to local anaesthetics infiltration of the ovarian pedicle for elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing mule mares, but further studies should be performed.The purpose of this study was to determine the analgesic efficacy and safety of epidural lidocaine-xylazine administration in standing mules undergoing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in order to suppress unwanted behaviour. Eight mule mares were sedated with intramuscular 0.05 mg/kg acepromazine followed by 1.3 mg/kg of xylazine and 0.02 mg/kg of butorphanol intravenously. Sedation was maintained by a constant rate infusion of 0.6 mg/kg/h of xylazine. The paralumbar fossae were infiltrated with 30 mL of 2% lidocaine. Epidural anaesthesia was performed at the first intercoccygeal space with 0.2 mg/kg of lidocaine and 0.17 mg/kg of xylazine. After 15 min, bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, invasive arterial blood pressure, degree of analgesia, sedation and ataxia were evaluated during surgery. The laparoscopic ovariectomy was successfully completed in all animals. Sedation and analgesia were considered satisfactory in six out of the eight mules. In conclusion, caudal epidural block allowed surgery to be easily completed in six out of eight. The animals did not show any signs of discomfort associated with nociception and were mostly calm during the procedures, however additional studies are needed to establish epidural doses of xylazine and lidocaine that result in reliable abdominal pain control in mules for standing ovariectomy.
Highlights
IntroductionMule mares are sterile, they show a rather variable oestrus [2]
Mule (Equus mulus), interspecific hybrids between a male donkey and a female horse, combine features from both donkey and horse, leading to great diversity in size, temperament and body type [1]. 4.0/). mule mares are sterile, they show a rather variable oestrus [2]
Eight healthy adult mule mares, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1, aged 3 to 7 years, with a body weight ranging between 380–450 kg, were included in the study
Summary
Mule mares are sterile, they show a rather variable oestrus [2]. During this period, they may present typical unwanted modification of behaviour such as reluctance to work, aggression, kicking and biting [3]. Bilateral ovariectomy in mule mares is an elective procedure performed, as in equine mares, to suppress unwanted oestrus behaviour and to decrease visceral pain occurring during oestrus [4,5,6]. The surgery may be carried out by laparotomy under general anaesthesia, or by laparoscopy which can be performed either in the standing sedated horse or in dorsal recumbency under general anaesthesia [7]. An advantage of standing sedation over general anaesthesia is the decreased risk of mortality [8]
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