The effect of vitamin C at varying times on physiological parameters in rabbits after xylazine anaesthesia.
The effects of vitamin C administration at varying time intervals on rectal temperature, respiratory rates, heart rates and sleeping time following xylazine anaesthesia was evaluated in rabbits. A total of 36 rabbits placed in six groups (A-F) with 6 animals per group each were used. Groups A and B were used as controls for vitamin C (120 mg/kg, oral) and xylazine (4 mg/kg, intramuscular) treatments, respectively, while groups C-F received vitamin C at four intervals prior to xylazine anaesthesia. The result of the study showed that vitamin C pre-medication prior to xylazine anaesthesia induced depression in respiratory and heart rates and a slight increase in rectal temperature. It also significantly increased sleeping time in rabbits (p<0.05). The lengthiest duration of sleep was observed among rabbits that received vitamin C 60 min prior to xylazine anaesthesia. Vitamin C administration 10 min prior to xylazine anaesthesia in rabbits induced a sleeping time three times the value compared to those animals that had received xylazine anaesthesia alone. However, the study did not observe a significant difference (p>0.05) in temperature between groups either before or after xylazine administration. It was concluded that vitamin C alters the clinical parameters as well as the sleeping time in rabbits under xylazine anaesthesia.
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Godwin Onyeamaechi
GO
Egwu
Gideon Dauda
GD
Mshelia
Saka
S
Sanni
Patrick Azubuike
PA
Onyeyili
Gladys Taiwo
GT
Adeyanju
D000700:Analgesics; D000758:Anesthesia; D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010829:Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014991:Xylazine
D000700:Analgesics; D014815:Vitamins; D014991:Xylazine; D001205:Ascorbic Acid