Abstract
This clinical study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding Flunixin meglumine to a total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) protocol involving ketamine, xylazine, and medetomidine in donkeys for castration.Ten healthy adult donkeys were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=5 each) and subjected to castration. Group A (Flunixin group) received Flunixin IV at 1.1 mg/kg one hour prior to anesthesia induction involving ketamine (2.2 mg/kg IV), xylazine (0.5 mg/kg IV), and medetomidine (0.1 µg/kg IV). TIVA maintenance was achieved via continuous IV infusion of saline supplemented with ketamine, xylazine, and medetomidine. Group B (Traditional group) received acepromazine as a sedative, followed by xylazine (1.1 mg/kg IV) and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg IV), with repeated doses for maintenance. Physiological and hematological parameters were monitored at baseline and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes post-induction. Flunixin addition led to remarkably stable respiratory and heart rates, a progressive drop in body temperature, and a moderate increase in blood sugar in Group A compared to Group B. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin values showed no significant differences between the two groups. Castration with preemptive Flunixin enhances anesthesia quality, provides better physiological stability, and reduces the need for repeated maintenance doses, benefiting both animal welfare and anesthetic efficacy in donkeys.