Analgesia and Anesthesia Information for Sheep (Ovis aries) and for Goats (Capra hircus)
Pain Recognition
Sheep and goats may appear dull and depressed with little interest in their surroundings. Clinical signs of pain may include:
- teeth grinding
- rapid and shallow breathing
- sudden drop in milk yield
- violent reaction to handling or rigid posture designed to immobilize the painful region
- changes in facial expression, grunting or grinding of teeth
- changes in gait or posture
Physiologic parameters
| Sheep | Goat | |
| Body temperature | 39.5° C | 39° C |
| Heart rate | 60-120/min | 70-135/min | Respiratory rate | 19/min | 20/min |
| Tidal volume | 300 ml | 325 ml |
Xylazine should be used in the 20 mg/ml concentration (small animals); allows better dosage control.
Anesthetic combination: Mix 1 ml xylazine (100 mg/ml), 1 ml butorphanol tartrate (Torbugesic®), and 8 ml sterile water. Dose at .05 mg/kg IV and give 1 ml ketamine IM.
Aspirin should be used cautiously and not for extended periods to prevent gastric ulcer formation.
Sheep and goats should be fasted for 18-24 hours prior to induction of anesthesia to control regurgitation. Water should be withheld for about 6 hours.
Positioning of ruminants during anesthesia is an important consideration. Right lateral recumbency should be avoided, as this results in intra-abdominal pressure, pressure on the diaphragm, and the collection of gas in the rumen.
Saliva may continue to flow in considerable quantities during general anesthesia in ruminants.
Analgesia and Anesthesia Dosages
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