[Comparative studies of electro-analgesia and barbiturate general anesthesia in cattle]

The studies were carried out on 24 healthy young bulls divided into 2 groups. 12 calves, in group I were injected intravenously with 10% solution of gwajamar, dissolved in 10% glucose. Then the electric current of 700 Hz, 90-100 mA and 20 V was switched on. In group II, the mixture of 10% gwajamar, 0.6% thiopental dissolved in 10% glucose was administered intravenously. The studies performed showed that sinusoidal current of 90-110 mA, 700 Hz and about 20 V applied in calves, using needle electrodes on both temples after the administration of gvajamar causes general electric anesthesia during the time of current flow. The narcosis lasted 15 min. when the mixture of 10% gwajamar and 0.6% thiopental was used. During electric anesthesia the reduction in the number of breaths and pulse rate was statistically significant. The content of hemoglobin and lymphocytes in leukograph was decreased as well while metameric neutrophils were raised. In thiopental anesthesia, the pulse rate and the number of breaths were increased (statistically significant) but the number of erythrocytes decreased. The changes in leukograph were observed which were similar to those in the electric anesthesia group. In both kinds of anesthesia hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia were revealed. More advanced changes (hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia) were found in electronarcosis. In the above mentioned kinds of anesthesia, the changes and shifts in spite of their statistical significance were temporary and with an exception of hypomagnesemia they reached the values close to the standard by the end of 7th day.