CLINICOPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MEDETOMIDINE IN FEMALE GOATS

The clinicophysiological and haematological effects of Medetomidine we re recorded in six adult female goats. Intramuscular injection of Mede tomidine, 15 mu g kg(-1), induced bradycardia, hypothermia, increase i n mean arterial pressure (MAP) and fall in central venous pressure (CV P). Electrocardiographic recordings were characterised by sinus arrhyt hmia at 5 min and sinus tachycardia at 60 and 90 min. Haemoglobin, pac ked cell volume (PCV) and total leucocyte count (TLC) decreased signif icantly. Changes in physiological and blood parameters were transient in nature and started to recover within 90 min. However, serum sodium, potassium and chloride did not show any significant change. The study indicates that Medetomidine at 15 mu g kg(-1) does not induce serious alterations in physiological, haemodynamic, haematological and electr olyte homeostasis and therefore, may be considered safe for use in goa ts.