Butorphanol or a Combination of Ketamine and Xylazine Do Not Interfere With Arrhythmogenic Parameters in Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) Obtained Through High-Resolution Electrocardiogram

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: Agoutis is a medium-sized wild rodent with potential for use as an experimental model. This study aimed to evaluate physiological parameters of arrhythmogenesis in this species, by HR-ECG and VCG techniques, under physical and pharmacological containment (ketamine-xylazine and butorphanol). Materials and methods: Eight agouti in which the physiological parameters of arrhythmogenesis were evaluated by HR-ECG and VCG techniques, under physical and pharmacological containment. We evaluated cardiac and pulmonary foci sounds, made femoral pulse inspection, body score analysis, gestational evaluation, echocardiographic examination, blood pressure measurement, and conventional electrocardiography. Results: The non-sedated agoutis exhibited QRS duration of 93.25 ± 9.51, LAS < 40 μV of 28.50 ± 4.65 and RMS of 93.50 ± 29.75. The value of QRS duration decreased in animals treated with ketamine-xylazine and increased in those receiving butorphanol. The non-sedated agoutis exhibited QRS duration of 93.25 ± 9.51, LAS < 40 μV of 28.50 ± 4.65 and RMS of 93.50 ± 29.75. The value of QRS duration decreased in animals treated with ketamine-xylazine and increased in those receiving butorphanol. The sedation protocols did not cause alterations for LAS < 40 μV and RMS. The sQRST value in non-sedated animals was 54.20° ± 43.63 and the administration of ketamine-xylazine increased this index to 102.87° ± 53.57, while butorphanol did not induce alteration. The mean systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures differed between physical and pharmacological restraints. Both pharmacological constraints reduced the blood pressure of the agoutis, analogously and mildly. Conclusion: The adoption of sedation protocols using the ketamine-xylazine association and butorphanol did not interfere with HR-ECG values and exhibited minimal VCG data and blood pressure changes.