Effects of serial anesthesia using ketamine or ketamine/medetomidine on hematology and serum biochemistry values in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at determining the cumulative effect of daily anesthesia, using two drug regimens, over hematological and biochemical parameters. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from rhesus monkeys 20 minutes after intramuscular administration of ketamine or ketamine/medetomidine combination for three consecutive days and results were evaluated to determine their effect on hematological and serum biochemistry values. Statistical significance of drug, day, and interaction of these two variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Drug effect resulted in a dramatic increase of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase values. Day effect resulted in decreases of RBC, HCT, Hgb, and alkaline phosphatase but an increase of other biochemical parameters evaluated. The drug/day interaction effect was found to be -significant for RBC, platelets, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and creatine kinase values. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest a cumulative effect of serial anesthesia and should be an important consideration when interpreting hematology and serum biochemistry in rhesus macaques.