Effect of propofol on the haematological profile of pregnant Red Sokoto does

Abstract

Introduction: Propofol (Diprivan®) is now a mainstay drug during anaesthesia in human and small animal surgeries and this is as a result of its good quality anaesthesia, rapid onset, and short duration of action with rapid recoveries. There is paucity of information in Nigeria as per the use of general anaesthesia to carry out procedures in pregnant red Sokoto Does. The aim of this study is to assess the haematological profile of pregnant red Sokoto doe following propofol anaesthesia and also ascertain the safety of the drug during gestation. Methods: Ten apparently healthy pregnant Red Sokoto does were used for this study. The animals were acclimatised for two weeks and pregnancy was diagnosed using B-mode Real time® transcutaneous ultrasonography. The animals were grouped into two (A and B) comprising five animals each in their first and second trimesters respectively. Propofol at 4 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg was administered to the does in groups A and B respectively. Blood samples were collected via the jugular vein and analysed using full automated blood counter (Ehmma® PCE 210). Results: The result showed that the onset and duration of propofol anaesthesia at the two doses in both groups were smooth and rapid without much excitation. There were no significant (p < 0.05) differences in the blood parameters in both group when compared with the control. Significance: Our study lends credence to the fact that propofol anaesthesia is suitable and safe anaesthetic agents for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia in pregnant red Sokoto does.