EN
The effects of acepromazine-ketamine on the heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood gases, arterial blood pH, and temperature were investigated in six healthy sheep. Ketamine (11 mg/kg i.v.) was given 15 min after administration of acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg i.m.) A catheter was placed in the carotid artery for arterial blood sampling and recording of mean arterial blood pressure. All parameters were evaluated before the administration of acepromazine and at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min following the injection of ketamine. The arterial blood pressure was recorded in 30 s after the injection of ketamine as well. The heart rate decreased significantly at minutes 15, 30, 45, and 60. The mean arterial blood pressure declined significantly at 30 s and 45 min. The mean respiratory rate decreased significantly at 45 and 60 min. PaO₂ decreased significantly at 5, 15, and 45 min, and PaCO₂ increased at 5 min. The pH values decreased significantly at 5, 15, and 30 min. The body temperature decreased significantly at all points in time. The data showed that the combination of acepromazine-ketamine caused an inhibition of the cardiovascular system. This combination is responsible for little distributed ventilation, decreased PaO₂, increased PaCO₂, decreased pH values, and a declined in body temperature in the anaesthesia period in sheep.