Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the anaesthetic effects on young hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) of xylazine-ketamine (XK) compared to diazepam-ketamine (DK). Six healthy young male hamadryas baboons were first premedicated with xylazine HCl (0.5 mg/kg, IM) and anaesthetised 20 min later with ketamine (10 mg/kg, IM). After a 10-day washout period, the hamadryas baboons were premedicated with diazepam (1 mg/kg, IM) and anaesthetised 20 min later with ketamine (10 mg/kg, IM). The onset, duration, and the depth of anaesthesia were determined by recording palpebral, corneal, and jaw reflexes. The results showed a significant decrease in heart rate and rectal temperature after XK injection, while a significant reduction in respiratory rate was seen when using the DK protocol. A highly significant increase in the levels of glucose was observed with the XK regimen. Blood pressure decreased when using both anaesthetic regimens, but this reduction did not reach significant levels. The quality of recovery was better when using XK compared to DK. In conclusion, major complications including bradycardia, hypothermia, and hyperglycaemia should be considered with a combination of XK. However, no complications other than bradypnea and hypercapnia should be expected when immobilising young hamadryas baboons with DK. No significant difference was observed in CBC, electrolytes, or lactate level between the anaesthesia protocols.