Comparative antinociceptive and sedative effects of epidural romifidine and xylazine in dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

In this study, the pain-relieving and calming effects of giving romifidine and xylazine through an epidural in camels were compared. Twenty-one adult camels (9 non-pregnant females and 12 intact males) weighing between 400-450 kg were randomly divided into three equal groups. Each group received one of the following treatments: an equal volume of sterile saline, 0.17 mg/kg of xylazine, or 50 g/kg of romifidine. All of the treatments were put directly into the sacrococcygeal space after being diluted in 0.9% sterile saline solution until the final volume was 20 ml. Before treatment and then at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min after administration, the perineal analgesia, sedation, and degree of ataxia were evaluated. At these same times, rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR) were simultaneously measured. Epidural administration of romifidine and xylazine resulted in varying degrees of sedation, ranging from mild to deep, alongside complete antinociception affecting the perineum, inguinal area, and flank. This effect extended distally to the coronary band of the hind limbs and cranially to the thoracic region. After romifidine, analgesia started more quickly than with xylazine (6 ± 1.05 vs. 14.17 ± 0.83). The duration of both antinociceptive for romifidine was substantially longer than that of xylazine (159 ± 6.38 vs. 63.33 ± 2.47). The onset time of sedation was substantially shorter after romifidine (6.8 ± 0.83 min) compared to xylazine (10.8 ± 0.83 min). Romifidine's sedative effect lasted longer than xylazine's (149.17 ± 4.16 vs. 108.33 ± 1.05 min). At every study measurement point, the romifidine and xylazine-treated groups showed negligible RT, HR, and RR changes. Conclusion: Romifidine or xylazine may be a reliable, durable, and economical method for epidural anesthesia in camels undergoing standing surgery, as romifidine has a faster onset and longer antinociceptive effect. Therefore, epidural romifidine could be a more effective treatment option for immediate postoperative pain.