EN
The aim of the study was to investigate the suitability of detomidine-midazolam-ketamine combination for umbilical surgery in calves. Fifteen calves subjected to umbilical surgery received detomidine (100 pg/kg b.w.), midazolam (0.5 mg/kg b.w.), and ketamine (10 mg/kg b.w.) intravenously (iv), as a mixture of the drugs. Rectal temperature, and heart, pulse, and respiratory rate were recorded before drug administration and at 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45 min after anaesthesia. Haematological and biochemical parameters were detected before drug administration, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after drug injection and 24 h after anaesthesia. The combination of the compounds resulted in anaesthesia lasting about 45 min and a satisfactory immobilisation for umbilical surgery, although some hypoxaemia and respiratory acidosis occurred. The body temperature of the calves decreased significantly (P<0.05) during the anaesthesia from 38.5°C to 37.9°C. Haemoglobin, PCV, and RBC decreased significantly (P<0.05) for a short time. The values for plasma glucose, creatinine, and ALT increased significantly (P<0.05). However, they returned to the baseline at 24 h. Muscle relaxation was good and no complications were encountered.