Philippine E-Journals

Comparative Evaluation Of Three Methods Of Acupuncture Combined With Xylazine-Ketamine-Induced Anesthesia In Dogs Subjected To Ovariohysterectomy

Elaine P. Manigbas | Jezie A. Acorda

Discipline: Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science

 

Abstract:

Three acupuncture techniques – conventional needle acupuncture (CNA), electroacupuncture (EA) and aquapuncture (AP) – in combination with xylazine-ketamine induced anesthesia, were compared as to their effects on the duration and quality of anesthesia, cortisol level and vital signs in 20 dogs during and after ovariohysterectomy. Bilateral acupoint stimulation of Zu San Li (ST-36) and Shou San Li (LI-10) was done. EA and AP combined with xylazine-ketamine produced smooth induction, maintenance and recovery from anesthesia in more dogs compared to xylazine-ketamine alone. CNA caused more patient discomfort during and after surgery than EA and AP, and required the most number of additional doses of anesthetics to proceed with the operation. Moreover, the mean period of anesthesia proved to be longest with EA and shortest with CNA. The differences among treatment groups in all the parameters before, during and after ovariohysterectomy were not significant (P>0.05). A significant decreasing trend in heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature was observed in all the treatment groups through time. The above results show that EA or AP can be a useful adjunct to conventional anesthesia in performing ovariohysterectomy in dogs.