Vol. 6, Issue 11 (2017)

Author(s):
Onifade KI

Abstract:
The influence of pharmacological restraint of Sokoto red goats by medetomidine and its reversal with atipamezole was investigated. Four different treatment protocols were studied, that is medetomidine singly at 10 and 20µg/kg and the same doses followed after 15minutes by atipamezole at 40 and 80µg/kg respectively by IM route. The results indicated that the heamoglobin concentration, PCV and TLC were all significantly altered from the normal values for some intervals following treatment. The interval of significant reduction was prolonged when medetomidine was administered without reversal. Administration of atipamezole significantly shortens the duration of reduction of the parameters. The hematological traits were not significantly different from the baseline values at 24 hours in all treatment groups, indicating that no permanent alteration has been induced. The reversibility of the altered haematological parameters means these drugs are safe in goats presented for surgery.