Determination of the minimum infusion rate of alfaxalone during its co-administration with fentanyl at three different doses by constant rate infusion intravenously in goats.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the minimum infusion rate (MIR) of alfaxalone required to prevent purposeful movement of the extremities in response to standardized noxious stimulation during its co-administration with fentanyl at three different doses by constant rate infusion (CRI) intravenously (IV) in goats.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, blinded, randomized crossover, experimental.

ANIMALS

Eight healthy goats; four does and four wethers.

METHODS

For induction of anaesthesia, a bolus of fentanyl was administered at 0.005 mg kg(-1) (LFent), 0.015 mg kg(-1) (MFent) or 0.03 mg kg(-1) (HFent) followed by alfaxalone at 2.0 mg kg(-1) . For maintenance, the goats received alfaxalone at an initial infusion rate of 9.6 mg kg(-1)  hour(-1) and one of three fentanyl treatments: 0.005 mg kg(-1)  hour(-1) (LFent), 0.015 mg kg(-1)  hour(-1) (MFent) or 0.03 mg kg(-1) hour(-1) (HFent). The MIR of alfaxalone was determined during fentanyl CRI by testing for responses to stimulation (clamping on a digit with Vulsellum forceps) every 30 minutes. Some cardiopulmonary parameters were measured.

RESULTS

The alfaxalone MIR median (range) was 6.7 (6.7-8.6), 2.9 (1.0-6.7) and 1.0 (1.0-4.8) mg kg(-1)  hour(-1) during LFent, MFent and HFent, respectively. Alfaxalone MIR was significantly lower during MFENT and HFENT compared to LFENT. Significantly low oxygen haemoglobin saturation (SaO2 ) and arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2 ), observed 2 minutes into anaesthesia after all fentanyl treatments, were the most remarkable adverse cardiopulmonary effects observed. Recovery from anaesthesia was severely affected by high doses of fentanyl with excitatory behavioural signs predominant for up to 2 hours post-administration after MFent and HFent.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Fentanyl reduces alfaxalone MIR in goats in a dose-dependent manner. Immediate oxygen supplementation after induction of general anaesthesia is recommended to prevent hypoxaemia. Doses of fentanyl equal to or greater than 0.015 mg kg(-1)  hour(-1) tend to be associated with severe excitatory behaviour and should be avoided when fentanyl is administered to goats.