Effects of Acepromazine-Xylazine-Ketamine combination on physiological and clinical parameters in somali goats (Capra hircus)

Background In Somaliland, veterinary surgical interventions are often constrained by the lack of inhalation anesthesia. Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) offers a portable alternative. This study evaluated the physiological and clinical effects of an Acepromazine (ACP), Xylazine (XY), and Ketamine (KT) protocol in Somali goats, a breed adapted to arid environments. Methods Twelve healthy Somali goats (9 females, 3 males; 15–25 kg) were used in a prospective study. Animals were premedicated with Xylazine (0.1 mg/kg) and Acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) intravenously (IV), followed 10 min later by Ketamine (4 mg/kg) IV. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal temperature (RT) were monitored at 10-minute intervals. Clinical parameters (pedal, corneal, jaw, and tongue reflexes) were assessed for duration of suppression. Results HR and RT showed gradual, non-significant declines ( P > 0.05). RR exhibited significant variation ( P = 0.034), with a transient increase at 10 and 20 min. Duration of pedal reflex suppression was 20.7 ± 0.7 min. Ptyalism (hypersalivation) was observed in 75% of subjects, and labored breathing in 50%. Conclusions The ACP-XY-KT combination provides approximately 20 min of surgical recumbency. While cardiovascular trends remained stable, ptyalism and respiratory shifts necessitate vigilant airway management.