PRELIMINARY COMPARISON OF LIDOCAINE AND XYLAZINE AS CAUDAL EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA FOR EMBRYO COLLECTION IN COWS

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sacrococcygeal epidural administration of either lidocaine or xylazine in cows undergoing embryo collection procedure. Lidocaine HC1 (0.2 mg kg^-1 , 2%) or xylazine HC1 (0.07 mg kg^-1), diluted to a 5-ml volume with 0.9% NaCI, was injected into the epidural space of ten adult female cows in order to facilitate rectal manipulation of the uterus during embryo collection procedure. The procedure was started approximately 20 min after epidural injection. Epidural xylazine induced sufficient relaxation of the tail and rectum, and sedation for completion of the procedure. No changes in uterine tone were detected. Epidural administration of xylazine was accompanied by bradycardia, decreased respiratory rate, salivation and ataxia. No other adverse effects were observed.