The comparative efficacy of nalbuphine and tramadol in controlling postoperative shivering in rabbits

Abstract

Background: Postoperative shivering is a major dilemma in most major surgeries. It is a consequence of perioperative hypothermia, attributed to the use of obsolete anesthetic regiments being used in the field of veterinary medicine. Shivering is a protective mechanism to compensate for the thermoregulatory status of the individual. This phenomenon is most aptly observed in small mammals and rodents while recovering from anesthesia induced by ketamine and xylazine combination. Objectives: This study used rabbits as a model to demonstrate and qualitatively analyze the comparative efficacy of nalbuphine and tramadol to control postoperative shivering. Materials and Methods: Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into three different groups, i.e., A, B, and C. The average values of temperature, pulse, and respiration in Group A (control) were 101.37 ± 0.99, 112 ± 27.32, and 80 ± 10.06, respectively. Results: Similarly, the values of these parameters obtained from Group B (nalbuphine) were 102.37 ± 0.67, 102.8 ± 29.68, and 74.9 ± 28.72 as compared to Group C (tramadol) were 101.79 ± 0.82, 102.3 ± 22.47, and 66.8 ± 14.55. The incidence of postoperative shivering was significantly lesser in Group B, whereby 80% of the individuals completely stopped shivering, whereas in case of Group C, only 65% of the individuals underwent complete cessation of shivering. Conclusion: administering opioids perioperatively can profoundly inhibit the incidence of postanesthetic shivering and may counteract the malicious effects of anesthesia and surgical procedure.