Comparison of systemic and epidural xylazine and ketamine anaesthesia for external skeletal fixation in cattle

Systemic and epidural xylazine (0.1 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg) and ketamine (till effect and 100 mg/kg) were evaluated for fixation of either linear or circular external fixator in tibial or radial or metatarsal osteotomies in crossbred cattle. Our results indicated that the anaesthesia produced by both techniques was of good quality, depth and duration. However, general anaesthesia produced better muscle relaxation, analgesia and sedation required for fixation of external skeletal fixator for immobilization of radial, tibial and metatarsal osteotomies as compared to epidural analgesia. The technique of general anaesthesia with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg) and ketamine till effect may be used as a preferred method for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia as compared to epidural use of these drugs.