Abstract
Abstract
The object of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of epidural injection of lidocaine plus neostigmine and lidocaine alone for perineal analgesia in buffalo. Caudal epidural analgesia was performed in six water buffalo calves at the first inter-coccygeal extradural space. It was produced in all calves by 2% lidocaine alone (0.22 mg/kg) and with 2 weeks intervals, repeated by combination of lidocaine–neostigmine (0.22 mg/kg and 10 µg / kg respectively). Analgesia was tested using deep pin prick stimuli. The time of onset and duration of analgesia, ataxia, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were compared among the two treatments. These parameters were determined before drug administration (baseline 0), at 10 minute intervals thereafter. Both treatments resulted in complete analgesia of the tail, perineum, and the upper parts of the hind limbs. The onset of analgesia was faster, but not significant in lidocaine plus neostigmine compared with lidocaine alone (3 ± 1 and 4 ± 1 minute respectively) (mean ± SD) (P > 0.05). The duration of epidural analgesia was significantly longer in lidocaine plus neostigmine than in lidocaine alone (134 ± 11 and 68 ± 9 minutes respectively) (P <0.05). Both treatments produced mild or moderate motor block. There was no significant alteration in HR, RR, and RT in both treatments. No adverse effects were observed in any of the buffaloe calves. In conclusion, the combination of lidocaine–neostigmine produced analgesia of longer duration than lidocaine. This combination would appear to be recommended for single-dose epidural administration in buffalo calves undergoing long surgical procedures in the perineal region.

Short running title:
Epidural lidocaine and lidocaine-neostigmine in buffalo

Key words: Keywords: Buffaloe calves; perineal analgesia; lidocaine; neostigmine