Kurz- und langfristige Effekte von Carprofen in Kombination mit einer Isofluran-Inhalationsnarkose zur Nabeloperation beim Kalb

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of pre- and post-operative carprofen application on short term effects (analgesia, endocrine-metabolic and cardiorespiratory parameters) and long term effects (recovery and productivity) in calves undergoing umbilical surgery. In a blinded comperative experimental study 24 healthy Holstein-Frisian calves (6 female and 18 male calves) with an average age of 36.5 ± 8.9 days and an average weight of 56.4 ± 8.8 kg were randomly allocated in two groups. Calves received either 1.4 mg kg-1carprofen or an equivalent volume of sterile saline IV 1 hour prior to and 72 hours after surgery. Induction (0.1 mg kg-1xylazine, IM and 2 mg kg-1ketamine, IV) and maintenance of anaesthesia (inhalation: ISO given to effect and oxygen flow set to 2 L min-1) as well as local anaesthesia of the umbilical region (20 mL of 2% Procain, SC), were identical in all calves. During anaesthesia the ISO consumption, respiratory rate and end-expiratory rate of carbon dioxide (etCO2) and ISO (etISO) were analysed. Cardiovascular effects were continuously monitored using an aortal and pulmonary artery catheter and arterial blood gas variables. Surgical stress and pain were evaluated by means of serum cortisol, lactate and fatty acids levels as well as plasma glucose concentrations. After determining the basic values in the standing unsedated calves 90 minutes prior to operation, further measurements followed 30 minutes after carprofen application and although prior to operation in sedated and in dorsal recumbency fixed calves. During operation the measurements were taken every 15 minutes and after completion of umbilical surgery the values were again detected in dorsal recumbency and also 30 and 60 minutes in sternal recumbency or in the standing calves. One week prior to and until ten days after surgical intervention the feed intake and weight gain as well as behaviour, endocrine-metabolic and clinical data were evaluated. Adverse effects upon gastrointestinal mucosa were analysed by using a faecal test for occult blood, blood cell counts and serum pepsinogen determination. Analgesia was sufficient for surgery in all cases. Carprofen had no effect on ISO consumption or endocrine-metabolic and cardiorespiratory values. Compared to controls, calves of the carprofen group showed significantly higher feed intake (0.31 ± 0.03 vs. 0.28 ± 0.03 MJ ME kg-1 KGW d-1) and weight gain (669 ± 197 vs. 459 ± 197 g d-1) following surgery. Recovery time was also faster in the carprofen group compared to the control group, detected by more active behaviour (46 ± 5.4 vs. 34 ± 4.9 %), significantly lower multiple pain and discomfort (max. 5 ± 0.5 vs. 9 ± 0.6 points) and visual analogue scale scores (max. 25 ± 4.7 vs. 38 ± 5.0 mm) as well as significantly less rise in body temperature (max. 39.7 ± 0.07 vs. 40.0 ± 0.17 °C). Adverse effects upon the gastrointestinal mucosa were not seen in any calves. The anaesthetic protocol described here provides sufficient analgesia for umbilical surgery with only mild side effects. The preemptive and post operative application of carprofen can reduce post surgical stress and enhance recovery and productivity. Therefore, it can be accept that the use of carprofen within this multimodal pain management controls post operative pain and will improve the well-being of calves after umbilical surgery.