CARDIOPULMONARY, HEMOCYTOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF XYLAZINE IN GOATS

Abstract

I.m. administration of xylazine [2-(2-dimethyl phenyl amino)5-dihydro-4H-1,3-thiazine hydrochloride] at the rate of 0.22 mg/kg body wt caused a significant reduction in respiratory rates. Mean arterial blood pressure and rectal temperature were not altered. Preadministration of atropine did not affect the depth and pattern of respiration, but heart rate increased. A significant reduction in pH and arterial O2 tension and an increase in CO2 tension was seen after xylazine and xylazine following atropine treatment. Hemocytologic changes included a decrease in total erythrocytes, leukocytes, hematocrit and Hb concentration and a rise in neutrophils with relative decrease in lymphocytes. Biochemical changes included a slight rise in K and a decrease in Na concentration. Glucose level was significantly increased at maximum depth of sedation. The changes in hemocytologic and biochemical parameters returned to near preadministration level in 24-72 h. No change was seen in the ECG. Xylazine was well tolerated, and the sedation was rapid in onset and lasted for about 30 min. Recovery was uneventful.