Surgical neutering in rabbits is common practice to prevent reproduction, with anesthetic protocols typically involvingmultiple agents for their synergistic effects. Among opioids, butorphanol (But) is widely used for its minimal side effects, whereas methadone (Met) could provide better analgesia, with limited supporting literature in rabbits. This study compares the sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of But or Met, with ketamine and medetomidine, for rabbit orchiectomy. Seventeen pet rabbits were randomly assigned to 2 groups receiving intranasal (IN) (2) ketamine (10 mg/kg) and medetomi- dine (0.2 mg/kg) with either But (0.3 mg/kg, Group BUT) or Met (0.3 mg/kg, Group MET). Intravenous (IV) propofol (PPF), administered in the marginal ear vein. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in O2 using a Bain circuit via face mask. Scrotal orchiectomy was performed after intratesticular lidocaine administration (1 mg/kg) . Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and rectal temperature (T°) were recorded. At the end, meloxicam (1 mg/kg IV) and atipamezole (0.5 mg/kg, IN) were administered. Statistical analysis included: Shapiro-Wilk (data distribution), Mann-Whitney (variable comparison), and Friedman (within-group variable variations), with significance set at p<0.05. The group BUT included n=8 rabbits, the group MET n=9. No intraoperative reactions occurred, and all rabbits resumed feeding and defecation within the day without signs of discomfort. Analysis showed no statistically significant differences. The slightly lower PPF dose in BUT aligns with canine and feline literature, while the poorer recovery score likely re- flects κ-receptor dysphoria. Met did not induce ISO-related breath-holding, showing greater inhibition of this reflex, triggered by ISO's airway irritation. Both opioids proved effective, but Met provided better recovery, suggesting a potential advantage.
Butorphanol vs methadone for surgical anesthesia with ketamine/medetomidine for orchiectomy in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Serpieri Matteo
First
;Bonaffini Giuseppe;Quaranta Giuseppe;Mauthe von Degerfeld MitzyLast
2025-01-01
Abstract
Surgical neutering in rabbits is common practice to prevent reproduction, with anesthetic protocols typically involvingmultiple agents for their synergistic effects. Among opioids, butorphanol (But) is widely used for its minimal side effects, whereas methadone (Met) could provide better analgesia, with limited supporting literature in rabbits. This study compares the sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of But or Met, with ketamine and medetomidine, for rabbit orchiectomy. Seventeen pet rabbits were randomly assigned to 2 groups receiving intranasal (IN) (2) ketamine (10 mg/kg) and medetomi- dine (0.2 mg/kg) with either But (0.3 mg/kg, Group BUT) or Met (0.3 mg/kg, Group MET). Intravenous (IV) propofol (PPF), administered in the marginal ear vein. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in O2 using a Bain circuit via face mask. Scrotal orchiectomy was performed after intratesticular lidocaine administration (1 mg/kg) . Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and rectal temperature (T°) were recorded. At the end, meloxicam (1 mg/kg IV) and atipamezole (0.5 mg/kg, IN) were administered. Statistical analysis included: Shapiro-Wilk (data distribution), Mann-Whitney (variable comparison), and Friedman (within-group variable variations), with significance set at p<0.05. The group BUT included n=8 rabbits, the group MET n=9. No intraoperative reactions occurred, and all rabbits resumed feeding and defecation within the day without signs of discomfort. Analysis showed no statistically significant differences. The slightly lower PPF dose in BUT aligns with canine and feline literature, while the poorer recovery score likely re- flects κ-receptor dysphoria. Met did not induce ISO-related breath-holding, showing greater inhibition of this reflex, triggered by ISO's airway irritation. Both opioids proved effective, but Met provided better recovery, suggesting a potential advantage.
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