Effects of age on the electroencephalographic response to castration in lambs anaesthetised using halothane in oxygen

Authors: Stafford KJ, Mellor DJ, Johnson CB, Sylvester SP, Ward RN, Mitchinson S
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 53, Issue 6, pp 433-437, Dec 2005
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Age, Animal welfare, Nervous system/neurology, Surgery, Husbandry/husbandry procedures, Diagnostic procedures, Reproduction, Pain, Reproduction - male
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: AIM: To use the electroencephalogram (EEG) to ascertain whether the response of the cerebral cortex to the noxious stimulus of castration varied with age in lambs.
METHODS: Two groups of East Friesian lambs were selected according to age; the mean age of the younger group (n=21) was 12 (SD 2) days and the older group (n=20) was 29 (SD 1) days. Anaesthesia was induced via mask using 4% halothane in oxygen, and maintained using 1.5% halothane in oxygen at a flow rate of 4 L/min. Once a stable plane of anaesthesia had been achieved, data collection of EEG and electrocardiographic (ECG) readings commenced, and the lambs were castrated 15 min later, using rubber rings. Median and 95% spectral edge frequencies (F95) and total EEG power (ptot) were derived from data from the EEG.
RESULTS: Following castration, there was an increase in the median frequency (F50) in the younger lambs (p=0.002), and an increase in ptot in both groups (p=0.05), which was of greater magnitude in the older lambs. There were no significant changes in the F95. Both younger and older lambs exhibited a transient bradycardia (p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: These differences in the cortical response between the two groups suggest that 2-week-old lambs undergo a qualitatively different perception of the noxious stimulus of castration compared to 4-week-old lambs.
KEY WORDS: Electroencephalogram, nociception, pain, lambs, castration

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