ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of subarachnoid propofol administration (SPA) on analgesia, sedation, ataxia, cardiopulmonary, blood gas variables, and its application in ovariectomy in Jennies. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical trial. ANIMALS: Adult Jennies (n = 20; 100-120 kg; 5-7 years old). METHODS: In study 1, 5 Jennies had SPA (n = 5; group 1) through Tuohy catheter, and another 5 control Jennies had normal saline subarachnoid administration (n = 5; group 2). In study 2, 10 Jennies had SPA and ovariectomy (n = 10; group 3). In groups 1 and 3 analgesia, sedation and ataxia scores, cardiopulmonary and blood gas variables were recorded at different intervals before and after PSA. In group 2, only cardiopulmonary and blood gas variables were recorded. RESULTS: SPA produced pronounced analgesia, mild sedation and minimal ataxia. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), arterial blood pH, PaO2 , and PaCO2 were not significantly different from base line values after subarachnoid administration of either propofol or normal saline. CONCLUSION: SPA was found to be useful, efficient and feasible procedure for ovariectomy through standing flank laparotomy in Jennies.