The effect of body posture on the heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature of anaesthesized west African dwarf goats.

Abstract

The effect of lateral and dorsal body positions on the heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature was evaluated in five West African Dwarf (WAD) goats following intravenous injection of 0.05mg/kg xylazine and 25mg/kg ketamine. Within 20 minutes (mins) of recumbency, the HR declined from baseline 102.0+-2.7 to 93.8+-6.2 beats/minute (bi/min) in the lateral group (lgp) and from 121.0+-17.0 to 95.0 +- 5.0 bt/min in the dorsal group (Dgp). Increase in HR was noted in both groups at 30 mins (95.2 +-5.8 bt/min in Lgp.. 98.08.7+-bt/min in Dgp), 40mins (95.6+-7.6 bt/min in Lgp, 100.0  15.0 bt/min in Dgp) and in Lgp at 50 mins (97.0 +-6.1 bt/min). At 90 mins the HR was 94.0+-5.4 bt/min and 64.0v11.7 bt/min in Lgp and Dgps respectively. The RR increased from 10 mins value of 47.6+- 9.5 breaths/minute (br/min) (Lgp) and from baseline 39.4+-14.4 br/min (Dgp) to 82.6+-16.0 br/min in the former and 95.8+-18.3 br/min in the latter. The RR at 90 mins was 52.0+-9.2 br/min in Lgp and 51.0+-7.3 br/min in Dgp. The rectal temperature (RcT^o) declined per time interval in both groups thoughout the experiment. When compared, the HR was significantly different (P < 0.05) At 70, 80 and 90 mins of recumbencey\'. However, the RR and RcT⁰ determined at time 0 and during recumbency in both postures were not significantly different (P > 0.05). This study shows that none of the two positions affects the RR and RcT⁰ more adversely than the other. However, dorsal positioning may cause severe depression of the HR if prolonged.

Keywords: Body posture, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, anaethesia.

Tropical Veterinarian Vol. 23 (3 &4) 2005: pp. 93-97