Abstract
The anesthetic and some cardiopulmonary effects of Fentanyl- Ketamine (FK) and Xylazine- Ketamine (XK) combinations were studied and compared in rabbits. A sixteen rabbits were randomly assigned to (2) different group FK and XK groups. The rabbits in FK group (n=8) were injected 0.02 mg/ kg B. W of fentanyl and 40 mg/ kg B. W of ketamine. The XK group was given 4 mg/ kg B. W of xylazine and 40 mg/ kg B. W of ketamine. All drugs in two different groups were mixed in one syringe and injected intramuscularly. Respiratory and heart rates were recorded at 2 minute before anesthesia and 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 minute after anesthesia. Both groups showed depression in respiratory and heart rates after administration of anesthetic agent, but the depression in respiratory rates in FK group was significantly more than in XK group at (5-60) minutes after injection (P<0.05). While the depression in the heart rate in FK group was significantly lower than in XK group at (45-75) minutes after injection (P<0.05). Data on reflexes (righting, pedal withdrawal for front and hind limb, ear pinch) were recorded to be utilized in determination of different stages of anesthesia. Mean duration of loss of pedal withdrawal reflex for both front and hind limb and ear pinch reflex were significantly longer in the XF group than in the FK group (P<0.05). The duration of surgical tolerance was significantly longer in XK group than FK group (P<0.05). While the stage of early recovery and late recovery lasted significantly (P<0.05) longer in XK group than in FK group. We concluded that anesthesia with XK or FK was suitable for common surgical produce in rabbits and the providing of oxygen is recommended in order to overcome the hypoxia