The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic, sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of epidurally administered ketamine and xylazine combination in the horse. Ten healthy horses (3 stallions and 7 mares) weighing 300 - 350 kg and aged between 6- 12 years selected and the skin of sacrococcygeal region prepared for needle placement. Ketamine with the dose of 1 mg / kg and
xylazine with the dose of 0.5 mg / kg prepared in a syringe and injected in caudal epidural region (C1 - C2). The onset, duration and extent of analgesia evaluated after injection. Heart and respiratory rates and also rectal temperature were recorded on 0,5,15,30,60 minutes after injection. This combination caused excellent analgesia of the tail, perineal region, anus and vulva within 9 ± 2.3 minutes and lasted for more than 120 minutes observation period. Evaluation of analgesia was carried out by pin prick test. Heart rate decreased significantly from baseline after 15 minutes. Respiratory rate also reduced significantly after 30 minutes in comparison to baseline. Rectal temperature did not change significantly. In conclusion the results of this study indicate that caudal epidural administration of the combination of ketamine and xylazine with the above mentioned doses could produce good analgesia of the caudel region with minimal cardio - respiratory effects.
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