Comparative evaluation of dexmedetomidine, diazepam, and acepromazine as adjuvants to lidocaine in intravenous regional anaesthesia in goats

Intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA) is a safe, dependable, and economical method for regional anaesthesia for distal limb surgeries in ruminants. This study aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine, diazepam, and acepromazine as an adjuvant to lidocaine in intravenous regional anaesthesia in goats. This study was conducted on 24 healthy male goats, in which IVRA of the distal hind limb was carried out. The animals were divided into four groups ( n = 6): lidocaine alone (Lido group), lidocaine–acepromazine (Lid/ACP), lidocaine–diazepam (Lid/DIZ), and lidocaine–dexmedetomidine (Lid/DEX). Physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, peripheral oxygen saturation), biochemical parameters (glucose, lactic acid, cortisol, and IL-6), and sensory and motor block onset and duration were assessed at time 0 before tourniquet application, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 min during application of the tourniquet, and 5, 10, 20, 30 min after its removal. In comparison to the other groups, the Lido/DEX group had the longest duration of sensory (82.5 ± 1.1 min) and motor (83.9 ± 0.8 min) blockade, as well as the earliest onset of sensory (1.3 ± 0.1 min) and motor (1.4 ± 0.1 min) blockade. Additionally, during the procedure, dexmedetomidine offered better control over stress and inflammatory reactions. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine seems to be the best adjuvant to lidocaine for IVRA in goats, offering greater anesthetic quality, longer analgesia, and better management of inflammatory and stress reactions both during and after tourniquet application.