The Effect of Various doses of Vitamin C on some Physiological Parameters in Rabbits Following Xylazine Anaesthesia

The effects of various doses of vitamin C on physiological parameters following xylazine anaesthesia was evaluated in rabbits. Thirty six animals were divided into six equal groups (A-F). Groups A and B served as controls for vitamin C and xylazine treatments alone respectively; while groups C-F received varying doubling doses of vitamin C prior to xylazine anaesthesia and their effects on temperature (T), respiratory rates (RR) and heart rates (HR) were measured. Pre-treatment with vitamin C (30mg/Kg, per os) prior to xylazine (4mg/Kg, i.m) showed an increase in the onset and duration of action of anaesthesia and lowered respiratory rate by 33%, but did not alter rectal temperature. Vitamin C pre-medication at 60 - 240mg/Kg prior to anaesthesia induced increase of 0.3 - 8% in rectal temperature and decrease in heart rate of 19 - 40%. Vitamin C at rates of 60mg/Kg and 120mg/Kg increased RR by 3-39%. It is therefore concluded that vitamin C alters some clinical parameters as well as sleeping time in rabbits under xylazine anesthesia. At lower doses Vitamin C produces CNS stimulation, while at higher doses it produces CNS depression which is advantageous when higher doses of xylazine are required for prolonged surgical procedures.