Renal Biochemical Response to Ketamine-Xylazine, Propofol and Tiletamine-Zolazepam in Local Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

The aim of this trial was to focus on the impact of three commonly used anesthetic protocols on renal biochemical markers: plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine in wild domestic Algerian rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the protocols which were evaluated, ketamine-xylazine; propofol; and tiletamine-zolazepam. Thirty-tow healthy adult rabbits of both sexes were selected by chance (randomly) divided into four groups with eight rabbits in each group. Group one (control), was injected with IV injection of saline solution. Group two, was treated with IV xylazine (5 mg/kg) and ketamine (35 mg/kg). Group three, was treated with IV propofol (8 mg/kg) and Group four was treated with IV tiletamine-zolazepam (10 mg/kg). Blood samples were taken at baseline following a 15 day quarantine and acclimation period. A follow-up blood sample was collected 120 minutes after anesthetic administration. Plasma creatinine and urea levels were used as indicators of renal function. Statistical analysis revealed that plasma urea (P < 0.001) and creatinine (P = 0.0004) levels were significantly decreased under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia compared to baseline values. In contrast, in the propofol group, both plasma urea and creatinine concentrations showed a significant increase (P < 0.05), whereas in the tiletamine-zolazepam group, only creatinine levels were significantly elevated. These findings suggest that the impact of the anesthetic agent on renal function depends on the type of anesthetic use mainly, the decrease in renal function markers, such as urea and creatinine with the use of the ketamine-xylazine combination shows the possible renoprotective effect of the combination. Whereas, changes were small, these findings focus on that consideration which should be given to select an anesthetic protocol, particularly when dealing with compromised renal animals, in order to ensure accurate biochemical interpretation, and to minimize the risk of nephrotoxicity.