Efficacy of midazolam as sedative in goats (Capra hircus)
Abstract
The present study was conducted in ten apparently healthy goats dividing them into two groups of five animals each. In group I, sedative studies were conducted and in group II, haemodynamic, acid-base status, blood-gas and blood biochemical studies were done. The animals went into lateral recumbency by three minutes of midazolam administration. Light to moderate watery salivation was observed. The palpebral, corneal and swallowing reflexes were
diminished after midazolam administration. Relaxation of the jaw, flaccidity of the tongue and relaxation of neck was observed. Limbs, tail and anal sphincters were mildly relaxed. Abdominal muscles relaxation was noticed for about 15 minutes. The head rightening reflex was seen at 18.2 ± 3.28 min after drug administration. The animals stood on their own by 43.4 ± 4.47 min with slight ataxia. Complete recovery occurred after 69.2 ± 5.06 minute. No statistically significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, central venous pressure and respiratory rate were observed. Primary T-wave changes were observed at varying time intervals after midazolam administration. The depression of ST-segment was recorded in three animals up to five minutes. No significant variations in pHa, PaCO2, HCO-3 concentration were seen. Appreciable reductions in PaO2 and PvO2 values were observed after midazolam administration which did not return to normal up to end of the observation. The oxygen extraction ratio increased significantly from five minutes after administration of midazolam and gradually increased to 52.95 ± 1.50 per cent at 30 minutes. There was no evidence of tissue hypoxia. No significant changes in haematological and blood biochemical parameters were recorded. Mean values of cardiovascular and respiratory parameters did not show significant changes. However, individual animals did show appreciable effects such as decreased heart rate and blood pressure, hypoxaemia and desaturation of haemoglobin. Therefore, more studies are still required before any recommendation.