Abstract

Aim:In small ruminant surgery, an understanding of the haematological responses to different anesthetic protocols is crucial for optimizing post-operative outcomes. In this study, the haematological responses of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats undergoing rumenotomy under different anaesthetic protocols were investigated.
Methods:Goats were categorized into three groups: Group A received Diazepam pre-medication and Propofol anesthesia, Group B received xylazine pre-medication and Propofol anesthesia, while Group C served as a control with only Propofol anesthesia during rumenotomy. Blood samples were collected at various time points post-rumenotomy for hematological analyses. Results: Results revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences in the packed cell volume (PCV) between groups, except at 24 hours post-surgery where Group A had a higher PCV than in Groups B and C. Haemoglobin (Hb) and total red blood cell count (TRBC) showed no significant (P>0.05) differences across all groups throughout the study. Total white blood cell count (TWBC) did not differ pre-surgery, but Group A displayed a significant increase immediately and 24 hours post-surgery. Neutrophil counts in Group A were elevated during intra-surgery and up to 48 hours post-surgery compared to Groups B and C. The lymphocyte count in Group A was significantly decreased immediately post-surgery.
Conclusion:These findings highlight the impact of anaesthetic and pre-medication protocols on specific haematological parameters in WAD goats undergoing rumenotomy, thus, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors in surgical interventions for optimal postoperative outcomes. Hence, further research is recommended to elucidate the mechanisms associated with these haematological variations.

Key words: pre-medication, rumenotomy, Propofol anaesthesia, West African Dwarf goats, haematological responses