Sedative Effects Of Medetomidine On Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate And Body Temperataure In Cattle Calves

Abstract

Study was carried out to compare the sedative, analgesic effects of medetomidine administered @ (8µg/kg, 10µg/kg and 12µg/kg) intravenously in six healthy cattle calves. Observations on pulse rate, respiratory rate and body temperature were recorded upto 120 minutes. The pulse rate, and respiratory rate decreased significantly (P<0.01) after 5 minutes of administration of medetomidine. However, body temperature decreased significantly (P<0.05) after 5 minutes of administration of medetomidine. Onset of sedation was observed at 26.00±0.36, 21.00±0.56 and 16.00±0.43 seconds respectively. Onset and duration of sedation were significantly different (P<0.01) among all three doses. Although all three doses of medetomidine produced significant changes in pulse and respiratory rates and body temperature yet these changes were transient in nature and all parameters had returned to base line within two hours. Therefore, care should be taken while using medetomidine in such patients.