A Comparative Evaluation of the Anesthetic Efficacy and Hepatic Safety of Tiletamine-Zolazepam and Ketamine-Diazepam in New Zealand White Rabbits
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52331/v30i3pr13Keywords:
Rabbit, Tiletamine-Zolazepam, Ketamine-Diazepam, Toxicity, Anesthesia, Hepatic SafetyAbstract
This study aimed to compare the anesthetic efficacy, physiological stability, and hepatic effects of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) versus ketamine-diazepam (KD) in rabbits. Forty healthy male New Zealand White rabbits (2–3 kg) were randomly assigned into five groups: a saline control, three tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) dose groups (32, 7.5, and 3.5 mg/kg IV), and a ketamine-diazepam (KD) group (20 + 1 mg/kg IV). Anesthetic depth, duration, and physiological parameters were monitored for 60 minutes. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia and on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-injection to assess liver function. The TZ-High group (32 mg/kg) exhibited the longest duration of anesthesia but also showed severe cardiorespiratory depression, characterized by a significant drop in respiratory rate and heart rate. Furthermore, this group displayed marked elevations in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels at 24 and 72 hours, indicating significant hepatotoxicity. In contrast, the KD and TZ-Mid groups provided adequate anesthesia with better physiological stability and minimal biochemical alterations. It is concluded that while high-dose tiletamine-zolazepam provides prolonged anesthesia, it induces severe and unacceptable hepatotoxicity and cardiorespiratory distress in rabbits. The combination of ketamine-diazepam or a mid-range dose of tiletamine-zolazepam offers a safer alternative for procedures in rabbits.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Flavia Pradhan, Rajesh Tharu, Jyoti Chaudhary, Akash Adhikari, Sujan Adhikari, Dibina Kaini, Roshik Shrestha, Khema Pandey, Sanjay Paudel
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