Several arterial blood chemistry parameters, arterial pressure, and pulse frequency were assessed in 12 calves kept under anesthesia for 13 hours. Propofol and isoflurane were used for induction and maintenance, respectively, in association with intra-thecal injection of morphine. Pulse frequency, arterial pressure, and blood glucose levels had mild oscillations, with values close to the reference range for calves under anesthesia. There was a mild but significant increase in the packed cell volume, hemoglobin, pCO2, total CO2, bicarbonate, and K+, throughout the duration of the anesthesia, whereas blood pH, pO2, Na+, and Ca++ levels decreased significantly. This protocol proved safe for maintenance of calves under anesthesia for prolonged periods of time.
bovine; isoflurane; propofol; morphine
