Haemodynamic effects of atropine-diazepam-thiopentone anaesthesia in bufffalo calves

The study was done on 10 clinically healthy male buffalo calves six months to one year of age, weighing 60 to 165 kg. The calves were divided randomly into two groups, each consisting of five animals. In first group atropine (0.05 mg/kg, IM) was administered 10 minutes before diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, IV) administration. There was no significant change in rectal temperature and respiratory rate. The heart rate increased gradually after atropine administration. Heart rate increased significantly after 2 minutes of diazepam administration. At this stage a 75% increase in heart rate was observed as compared to base value. Mean arterial pressure decreased non-significantly after diazepam administration. There were significant changes in pulse pressure after atropine as well as diazepam administration. Central venous pressure decreased significantly after 45 and 60 minutes of diazepam administration. In group-II transient aponea of about 2 minutes was observed immediately after administration of thiopentone. There was significant increase in heart rate after diazepam as well as thiopentone administration. Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after 2 and 5 minutes of thiopentone administration. After administration of thiopentone there was nearly 55% reduction in pulse pressure. Administration of thiopentone reduced the CVP non-significantly.