Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to compare the effects of different anaesthetics on physical and haemato-biochemical parameters associated with reflexes in rabbits.
Methods: Fifteen healthy rabbits (1.5-2.0 kg) were randomly allocated into three groups: Group XK (Xylazine- Ketamine), Group MK (Midazolam- Ketamine), and Group MCK (Midazolam- Chlorpromazine- Ketamine). The rabbits were given specific doses of ketamine (20 mg/kg), midazolam (0.5 mg/kg), and xylazine (2 mg/kg) intramuscularly. The physical parameters of heart rate, respiration rate, and rectal temperature, as well as the reflexes of righting, palpebral, and pedal, were assessed before administering anaesthesia and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 minutes following the injection of various anaesthetics.
Results: Rectal temperature significantly differed throughout the anaesthetic period in the animals of group MK and group MCK. The heart rate and respiration rate exhibited substantial alterations (P<0.05) at different time intervals throughout the anaesthetic period in the animals of all groups. The longest induction period and highest duration of anaesthesia were found in group MCK. Serum biochemical analysis showed that creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, and sodium values were substantially (P<0.05) altered after 30 min of induction in the animals of all groups.
Conclusions: It is concluded that the MCK combination produced an appropriate level of surgical anaesthesia in rabbits, as evidenced by the prolonged duration of the anaesthetic phase, satisfactory cardiovascular and other clinical aspects.

Key words: Anaesthetics, physical parameters, reflexes, serum biochemistry, rabbits