Comparison between the anaesthetic effects of xylazine ketamine and diazepam ketamine: physiological and blood parameters in young hamadryas baboons ( Papio hamadryas )

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anaesthetic effects on young hamadryas baboons ( Papio hamadryas ) ofxylazine ketamine (XK) compared to diazepam ketamine (DK). Six healthy young male hamadryas baboons were first premedicatedwith xylazine HCl (0.5 mg/kg, IM) and anaesthetised 20 min later with ketamine (10 mg/kg, IM). After a 10-day washout period, thehamadryas baboons were premedicated with diazepam (1 mg/kg, IM) and anaesthetised 20 min later with ketamine (10 mg/kg, IM).The onset, duration, and the depth of anaesthesia were determined by recording palpebral, corneal, and jaw reflexes. The results showeda significant decrease in heart rate and rectal temperature after XK injection, while a significant reduction in respiratory rate was seenwhen using the DK protocol. A highly significant increase in the levels of glucose was observed with the XK regimen. Blood pressuredecreased when using both anaesthetic regimens, but this reduction did not reach significant levels. The quality of recovery was betterwhen using XK compared to DK. In conclusion, major complications including bradycardia, hypothermia, and hyperglycaemia shouldbe considered with a combination of XK. However, no complications other than bradypnea and hypercapnia should be expected whenimmobilising young hamadryas baboons with DK. No significant difference was observed in CBC, electrolytes, or lactate level betweenthe anaesthesia protocols.