Acta Vet. Brno 2014, 83: 145-149
Effects of the tiletamine/zolazepam-xylazine-tramadol combination on plasma oxidative status and haematological indicators in miniature pigs
Oxidative stress in the body occurs when the production of free radicals overwhelms the antioxidant defence systems. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a tiletamine/zolazepam-xylazine-tramadol combination on the antioxidant status, lipoperoxidase and blood cell indicators in eight miniature pigs. Baseline measures were recorded prior to anaesthesia, then the animals were anaesthetized with the combination of tiletamine/zolazepam (3.5 mg/kg), xylazine (1.32 mg/kg), and tramadol (1.8 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected from the anterior vena cava at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 min, 24 h, and 72 h after anaesthesia. Plasma malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were measured by colorimetry, and red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were determined using an automated cell counter. The results showed that the concentration of malondialdehyde increased significantly at 30 and 60 min after the injection (P < 0.05), whereas glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity increased slightly (P > 0.05) then returned to baseline values after 90 min (P > 0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) at 30 and 60 min, and then gradually decreased to baseline values after 90 min. Changes in red blood cell counts, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were not significant, while white blood cell count decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at 30 and 60 min. Our study is the first to demonstrate that tiletamine/zolazepam-xylazine-tramadol provide antioxidant effects, which may be proposed for alleviating the stress of examination and research at veterinary clinics or long-distance transportation.
Keywords
Anaesthesia, lipoperoxidase, blood cell, oxidant/antioxidant, swine.
