Effects of sedation on haematological, biochemical, coagulation profile, and kaolin-activated thromboelastography in rabbits

Abstract

Blood sampling and analysis are essential procedures for assessing the health status of exotic pets. While careful manual restraint is generally recommended, sedation may be necessary in specific cases. However, the use of chemical restraint may introduce analytical variations. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of sedation with butorphanol, midazolam, ketamine and dexmedetomidine on haematological, biochemical and coagulation parameters (prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen), as well as thromboelastography in adult healthy New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Two groups of adult New Zealand rabbits, housed under identical conditions and considered healthy based on normal physical examination and unremarkable clinical histories, were included in the study. The non-sedated group comprised ten rabbits, while the sedated group consisted of fifteen. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture, and haematological, biochemical and coagulation profiles were performed. In conclusion, some variation in haematological and biochemical values were observed depending on sex and/or sedation protocols. Sex can influence haematology in terms of haemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte and platelet count; biochemistry in alanine aminotransferase, chloride, gamma-glutamyl transferase, potassium, sodium, calcium, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, but not in coagulation parameters. Meanwhile, sedation can affect haematology in terms of leucocyte and lymphocyte count and biochemistry in total bilirubin, calcium, total protein, sodium, albumin, glucose, creatinine, phosphorous. Plasma-based coagulation assays showed increased prolongation of aPTT and PT, although these changes do not seem to be clinically relevant. There were no changes observed in thromboelastographic parameters.