| dc.description.abstract | The aim of this research was to expound the onset, duration, and clinical signs observed on anaesthesia phase using ketamine-xylazine combination in New Zealand White rabbits. Fifteen New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were randomly subjected into three groups of five animals each. Those in group A were anaesthetized using a combination of 35 mg/kg ketamine and 5 mg/kg xylazine given i/m. Group B animals were anaesthetized using a combination of 40 mg/kg ketamine and 5 mg/kg xylazine while group C were anaesthetized using a combination of 45 mg/kg ketamine and 5 mg/kg xylazine, both given i/m. The result of this study indicated that the onset of anaesthesia marked by loss of pain response differ not significantly among the three groups (P < 0.05). Duration of anaesthesia and recovery significantly differ (P < 0.05) as the dose of ketamine increased. The onset of anaesthesia clinical signs within induction phase showed significant differences on sternal recumbency, lateral recumbency, and constricted pupil. Meanwhile the onset of anaesthesia clinical signs showed no significant differences (P<0.05) within recovery phase. It was concluded that onset of anaesthesia and clinical signs in induction phase were directly proportional as the ketamine’s dose increased. Meanwhile duration of anaesthesia and duration of recovery were inversely proportional with the dose increasing. | en |
