Comparative evaluation of ropivacaine, ropivacaine- dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine – clonidine combinations for epidural analgesia in cattle

Abstract

Eighteen animals with various surgical conditions were divided into three groups of six animals each. Group I received ropivacaine (0.75%) @ 0.25 mg/kg b.wt at sacrococcygeal space. Group II animals received ropivacaine (0.75%) @ 0.25 mg/kg b.wt and dexmedetomidine at 5 µg/kg b.wt in the sacrococcygeal space. Group III animals received ropivacaine (0.75%) @ 0.25 mg/kg b.wt and clonidine @ 2 µg/kg b.wt at sacrococcygeal space. The fastest onset of analgesia was produced by ropivacaine-dexmedetomidine combination followed by ropivacaine-clonidine. RT showed non significant decrease in all groups during post epidural analgesia. A non significant increase in RR was observed in cattle following ropivacaine and ropivacaine-clonidine epidural analgesia. Where as a non significant fall in RR was noticed during ropivacaine-dexmedetomidine combination. A non significant increase in HR was recorded after epidural administration of ropivacaine in group I animals. Whereas group II and III animals showed a non significant decrease in HR throughout the period of study. ECG studies did not reveal any abnormalities except sinus arrhymia in all animals. In group I and III non significant increase in Hb and PCV was observed in the present study. Non significant decrease in Hb and PCV values were recorded in animals subjected to ropivacaine-dexmedetomidine analgesia. A non significant increase in AST, ALT was noticed in all groups of animals. The study suggests that dexmedetomidine is a better adjuvant than clonidine in epidural analgesia as far as cardio-respiratory and Haemato-biochemical parameters are concerned.