Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate combination of Xylazine, Ketamine, and Diazepam (XKD) that would produce safe and satisfactory total intravenous anaesthesia in donkeys, for use under field conditions. In this study three protocols containing Ketamine (3 mg/kg), Xylazine (1.5 mg/kg) and diazepam at (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg) were tested. A total of 18 donkeys, twelve male and six female was used. The animals were allocated randomly to three groups of equal size and each group was anaesthetized with a different anaesthetic protocol. Respiratory rate, heart rate and rectal temperature were measured at 10 minutes interval before, and throughout the duration of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia parameters (induction time, duration of anaesthesia, lateral recumbency, sternal recumbency, standing, and total recovery time) were measured and recorded at 10 minutes interval post induction throughout the duration of anaesthesia. Quality of induction, recovery and muscle relaxation was also evaluated subjectively during anaesthesia. All anaesthetic protocols used produced satisfactory induction of anaesthesia and quite smooth recovery and non significant increase in the duration of anaesthesia phase was observed. While, significant increase in the duration (P < 0.05) of lateral recumbency, sternal recumbency, standing position, total recovery time, and reflexes was observed. Induction of anaesthesia, muscle relaxation and recoveries were acceptable in all protocols used. It is to be concluded that these protocols were proved to be safe for use under field conditions for donkeys
