Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the anaesthetic effects of sevoflurane on 6 healthy adult dromedary camels which were premedicated and induced with xylazine (0.2 mg/kg, IV) and ketamine (2 mg/kg, IV), respectively. Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen. The onset, duration and the depth of anaesthesia were recorded. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen haemoglobin saturation and mean arterial blood pressure were measured before and 20 min after the administration of xylazine and then every 10 min until recovery. Jugular blood samples were collected for haematological and blood gases evaluation. Results showed a significant reduction in mean arterial blood pressure, lymphocytes and pH during sevoflurane anaesthesia in the camels. The concentrations of oxygen haemoglobin saturation, venous carbon dioxide, oxygen and glucose were significantly increased during sevoflurane anaesthesia in dromedary camels. The quality of anaesthesia was good and recovery was excellent and relatively quick in all the camels. It was concluded that sevoflurane is an excellent inhalation anaesthetic that can be used safely for maintenance of anaesthesia in camels.