The Influence of Epidurally Injected Xylazine on Cardio-Pulmonary and Rectal Temperatures in Goats

Abstract

The influences of xylazine on cardiopulmonary and rectal temperature values were investigated in seven Small East African goats. Three doses, 50µg/kg, 100µg/kg and 150µg/kg body weight of xylazine were used. The three doses were administered epidurally to each of the seven goats, with a one-week interval between doses. All doses induced a significantly fall in the mean respiration and heart rates, arterial pressure and rectal temperature values within five minutes (P<0.05). The mean respiration and heart rates depressant effects persisted for the whole 180 minutes observational period. However, the mean arterial pressure depression effect persisted for short period, and was followed by a gradual increase to normal or above normal values. The rectal temperature changes were very mild, and remained within the normal ranges. It is concluded that epidurally administered xylazine at dose ranging from 50µg to l50µg/kg body weight induces a variable cardiopulmonary and rectal temperature changes that are not detrimental to the animal