Pulse Oximetric and ECG changes during continuous infusion of propofol in medetomidine-pentazocine and midazolam-pentazocine premedicated buffalo calves

Twelve buffalo calves of either sex presented to the clinic with surgical conditions like umbilical hernia, urolithiasis and fractures were utilized to study the effect of continuous intravenous infusion of propofol after premedication with medetomidine-pentazocine and midazolam-pentazocine. The animals were divided into two groups of six animals each. Medetomidine (@ 2.5 μ g/kg b. wt.)-pentazocine (@ 0.5 mg/kg b. wt.) and midazolam (@ 0.25 mg/kg b. wt.)-pentazocine (@ 0.5 mg/kg b. wt.) was given intravenously in group I and II respectively. Propofol was given intravenously (@ 4 mg/kg b. wt.) after pre-medication and maintained by continuous intravenous infusion of propofol (@ 0.4 mg/kg b.wt.) in 5% dextrose normal saline in both groups. Pulse oximetric and electrocardographic changes were recorded at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 min. Saturation of oxygen percentage of haemoglobin showed significant (P < 0.05) difference in both groups but the changes were within the normal range. Electrocardiographic studies did not reveal any abnormalities except slight variations in the amplitude of P wave, T wave and QRS complex in both groups. It is concluded that both anaesthetic drug combinations can be used safely in buffaloes as they did not alter the pulse oximetry and ECG values.