Clinical studies of ketamine HCl and xylazine HCl in domestic goats
Kumar, A.; Thurmon, J.C.; Hardenbrook, H.J.
Veterinary Medicine-Small Animal Clinician 71(12): 1707-1713
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4889 PMID: 1051769 Document Number: 102866
Twenty domestic goats were subjected to a variety of surgical procedures including laparotomy, enucleation of the eyeball, amputation of claws, abomasotomy, and enterotomy. Anaesthesia was induced with xylazine (0.22 mg/kg body weight) and ketamine (11 mg/kg body weight) or a mixture of these agents. Although respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature decreased, they remained within normal limits. Surgical anaesthesia was maintained for 2.25 to 2.75 h by supplemental increments of ketamine or a mixture of xylazine and ketamine. Only slight fluctuations were seen in blood pH and carbon dioxide tension. Oxygen tension remained low throughout the observation period. Standard bicarbonate and base excess remained within the normal range. Skeletal muscle relaxation was good in all animals and recovery was smooth and uncomplicated.