Dose-dependent effect of romifidine on intraocular pressure in clinically healthy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

In the present study, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with romifidine sedation in buffalo were evaluated. Eighteen healthy adult, non-pregnant, buffalo without ocular abnormalities were used in a prospective randomized trial. Buffalo were allocated into three groups (six each). Buffalo in the treated groups received an intramuscular injection (IM) of romifidine at 40 or 50 µg/kg. The control group was administrated an equivalent volume of sterile saline (0.9% NaCl; 0.4 ml/100 kg). Baseline IOP (T0) values were obtained using applanation tonometry. Immediately afterwards, romifidine was administered and IOP values of both eyes were measured at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min post-administration. The pre-administration values (T0) of IOP for both the left and right eyes ranged from 30-36 (mean, 33 ± 1.5) mmHg and 30-35 (mean, 33.7 ± 1.4), respectively. IOP values decreased significantly after administration of both doses of romifidine compared with the placebo (P < 0.01). Compared with the control, the IOP decreased significantly in animals treated with both doses from 5-90 min post-administration in both eyes (P < 0.05). In the right eye, the lowest IOP value in the romifidine treated groups was observed at T30 (21.6 ± 1.0 and 23.3 ± 1.4 mmHg), respectively. In the left eye, the lowest IOP was observed at T60 (22.5 ± 3.0 and 23.3 ± 2.8 mmHg), respectively. In conclusion, romifidine could be recommended as an alternative analgesic in buffalo, especially for ocular affections associated with increased IOP. A dose of 40 µg/kg could be used at a low cost.

Comparative antinociceptive and sedative effects of epidural romifidine and detomidine in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

In this study, comparative antinociceptive and sedative effects of epidural administration of romifidine and detomidine in buffalo were evaluated. Eighteen healthy adult buffalo, allocated randomly in three groups (two experimental and one control; n=6) received either 50 µg/kg of romifidine or detomidine diluted in sterile saline (0.9 per cent) to a final volume of 20 ml, or an equivalent volume of sterile saline epidurally. Antinociception, sedation and ataxia parameters were recorded immediately after drug administration. Epidural romifidine and detomidine produced mild to deep sedation and complete antinociception of the perineum, inguinal area and flank, and extended distally to the coronary band of the hindlimbs and cranially to the chest area. Times to onset of antinociception and sedation were significantly shorter with romifidine than with detomidine. The antinociceptive and sedative effects were significantly longer with romifidine than with detomidine. Romifidine or detomidine could be used to provide a reliable, long-lasting and cost-effective method for achieving epidural anaesthesia for standing surgical procedures in buffalo. Romifidine induces a longer antinociceptive effect and a more rapid onset than detomidine. Consequently, epidural romifidine may offer better therapeutic benefits in the management of acute postoperative pain.

Dose-dependent antinociceptive and sedative effects of epidural romifidine in cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive and sedative effects of epidural administration of romifidine in dairy cattle. Twenty-four dairy cows, divided randomly into four groups (three experimental and one control; n=6) received one of three doses of romifidine (30, 40 or 50 µg/kg) diluted in sterile saline (0.9 per cent) to a final volume of 25 ml or an equivalent volume of sterile saline. Antinociception and its anatomical extent was assessed by applying a standard stimulus (needle pin pricks) in different areas and by applying an electrical stimulus to the flank. The antinociceptive effect of romifidine was produced not only in the tail, anus, perineum, vulva and inguinal area but extended up to the coronary band of the hindlimbs and chest areas. Epidural romifidine induced mild-to-moderate sedation at 30 and 40 µg/kg doses and deep sedation at the 50 µg/kg dose. The antinociceptive and sedative effect was dose-dependent in terms of intensity and duration. Thus, epidural administration of romifidine was effective in providing antinociception and sedation in cattle, and can be used in standing flank and udder surgery in cattle.

A comparison of surgical outcomes of perineal urethrostomy plus penile resection and perineal urethrostomy in twelve calves with perineal or prescrotal urethral dilatation.

The clinical diagnosis, ultrasonographic findings, surgical management, outcome, and survival rate of perineal or prescrotal urethral dilatation in 12 male calves are described. All calves were crossbred and intact males. The most noticeable clinical presentations were perineal (n= 10) or prescrotal (n= 2) swellings and micturition problems. The main ultrasonographic findings were oval shaped dilatation of the urethra in all animals with dimensions of 40-75 X 30-62 mm. The calves with perineal urethral dilatation were treated by perineal urethrostomy (n= 4) and partial penile transection including the dilated urethra and urethral fistulation (n= 6). Prescrotal urethral dilatations were treated by penile transection proximal to the dilatation site (n= 2). Cystitis and stricture of the urethra were recorded postoperatively for two of the calves that underwent perineal urethrostomy. Nine animals were slaughtered at normal body weight approximately 6-8 months after the surgical treatment. Three animals were slaughtered after approximately three to four months, two of them having gained insufficient body weight. Our study shows that ultrasonography is a useful tool for the diagnosis of urethral dilatation in bovine calves. Our study also shows that the partial penile transection may be a suitable and satisfactory choice of surgical treatment for correcting the urethral dilatation in bovine calves.