Effects of various local analgesics and ketamine for cranial epidural analgesia in Black Bengal Goats

The present study was conducted to find out the effects of analgesic and anaesthetic drugs for cranial epidural analgesia in Black Bengal goats. A series of thirty two (n=32) analgesic trails were conducted in goats age ranged from 8 to 12 months and with an average body weight of 8.1 kg. The animals were divided into four groups (n=4) and a replication of 8 trails was performed in each group at least one week interval. Two percent (2%) lidocaine hydrochloride (6.0 mg/kg), 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with adrenaline (6.0 mg/kg), 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride (1.5 mg/kg) and ketamine hydrochloride (5.0 mg/kg) were used to perform cranial epidural analgesia. 2% Lidocaine hydrochloride and Ketamine hydrochloride showed rapid onset of analgesia. 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride produced the highest area of desensitization in thigh region during cranial epidural analgesia. Perineal region and tail were totally desensitized during epidural analgesia. 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride prolonged the duration of analgesia during epidural analgesia. 2% Lidocaine hydrochloride showed no side effects whereas 2% Lidocaine hydrochloride with adrenaline showed straining and muscle tremor, 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride shivering and drowsiness, ketamine hydrochloride tympany, excitement and drowsiness. It seemed that 2% Lidocaine hydrochloride is more effective whereas 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride is associated with side effects. Though ketamine hydrochloride is a dissociative agent, it could also be used in epidural analgesia.