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Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the duration of analgesia produced by epidural injection of ketamine, lidocaine and xylazine in West African dwarf goats. Three healthy West African dwarf goats of varying ages were used for this study. After administration of each drug, the onset of action was recorded and the duration of action of each drug was determine through pin prick method at ten (10) minutes interval to ascertain loss of sensation as well as response to stimuli. Vital parameters (temperature, pulse, respiratory and heart rates) were determined at five (5) minutes interval throughout the duration of the anaesthesia to evaluate changes in these variables due to the actions of these drugs. The results revealed that ketamine at the dose rate (10mg/kg) had the shortest duration of analgesia and is therefore, unsuitable for use in ruminants (WAD). Xylazine has the longest duration of analgesia compare to lidocaine which has a rapid onset but short duration. It is therefore, concluded that xylazine will be suitable for epidural analgesia in healthy, young and unpregnant WAD than ketamine and lidocaine.