Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover Vergleichende Studie zur

Publikation 2
solution (37°C) at a rate of 0.2 ml kg -1 min -1
and two electrical heating pads
(43 × 38 cm, 37°C, Eickemeyer, Tuttlingen, Germany) were used to reduce
intraoperative hypothermia. All surgeries were carried out at a room temperature of
20-22°C.
Baseline measurements were obtained in the standing calves in the operating theatre
(- 60 min). After administration of the drugs, calves were positioned in dorsal
recumbency. To prevent uncontrolled cranial migration of epidural drugs, the animals
were placed on a table that was cranially elevated (at an angle of 3-5°), so that the
shoulder became the highest point of the spinal column. Furthermore, the muzzle of
the calf was positioned below the pharyngeal area for drainage of fluids such as
saliva or regurgitated ruminal fluid, thus reducing the risk of their aspiration. When
the calf was restrained in dorsal recumbancy, pre-surgical parameters were recorded
(-30 min). Thereafter, intra-operative measurements were taken at incision (0 min)
and 15, 30, 45 min into the operation and at the end of the surgical procedure (65
min). On completion of the surgery, calves were positioned in sternal recumbency
and kept in a calm environment on soft bedding. Calves were no longer restrained,
thus were free to stand up or resume sternal recumbency during this period. Further
measurements were taken 95, 125, 185 and 365 min after commencing the
operation. The calves were then returned to their stalls and visually monitored until
they regained the righting reflex and were able to stand. During recovery, hind limbs
of calves in Group EPI were hobbled to avoid musculoskeletal injuries.
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