Abstract:
The influence of sedation with detomidine on spontaneously voided urine and saliva under different climate-induced ambient temperatures was investigated in Sokoto red goats. Twelve goats of both sexes weighing 20?6.5 and aged between 2 and 3 years were used for this study. Two sedative doses 20 ug/kg and 40 ug/kg were administered IM to six goats (n=6) in each of four treatment groups of each experiment. The experiments were carried out in two phases under low ambient temperatures (LAT), (? 150C) and high ambient temperatures (HAT), (? 39 0C) respectively. Spontaneously voided urine and saliva samples were measured from time of detomidine administration until full recovery. The frequency, total volume, pH, specific gravity of the samples were recorded. The results indicated that significantly higher (p<0.05) frequency and volume of urine was voided in LAT compared to HAT following detomidine sedation. Salivation of significantly higher (p<0.05) volume and frequency was voided under HAT compared to LAT. The pH and specific gravity of urine and saliva samples also vary with time throughout each experiment. Possible mechanisms responsible for our observations were discussed. This study provides justification for consideration of the ambient temperature as an important factor in clinical use of detomidine. Following detomidine sedation in goats, proper head positioning and placement of an indwelling catheter for free drainage of saliva and urine in HAT and LAT respectively is recommended. |
