Infusion of Pentobarbital and Fentanyl Combination for Long-Term Anaesthesia in Pigs

Authors: NUH KILIÇ, WOLF ERHARDT

Abstract: The cardiopulmonary and clinical effects of the infusion of pentobarbital sodium in combination with fentanyl for long-term anaesthesia in 9 pigs were investigated. Pigs were premedicated with i.m. atropine at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg and azaperon at a dose of 2 mg/kg. General anaesthesia was induced with i.v. thiopental sodium at a dose of 3.3 mg/kg. After induction of anaesthesia, the pigs were intubated and supplied with oxygen during anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was maintained with an i.v. infusion of pentobarbital-sodium at a dose of 45 mg/kg/h and fentanyl at a dose of 0.026 mg/kg/h. Arterial blood pressure, blood gas analyses, arterial haemoglobin saturation (SpO_2), end-tidal CO_2 concentration (ETCO2), rectal temperature and heart rate were monitored 20, 40, 65, 90, 115, 140, 165, 190 and 215 min after induction. ETCO_2, SpO_2, pH and blood gas values did not change significantly over time. Temporal changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate were detected; however, significant differences in heart rates and systolic arterial pressure were not detected. Diastolic arterial pressure increased significantly with time. Rectal temperature was significantly below the baseline value after 65, 90 and 115 min, and then increased significantly 190 and 215 min after anaesthetic administration. It was concluded that infusion of a combination of pentobarbital and fentanyl was suitable for prolonged anaesthesia in pigs.

Keywords: Pentobarbital, fentanyl, infusion, anaesthesia, pig

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