Comparative Evaluation of Midazolam-pentazocine and Diazepam-pentazocine for Sedation and Analgesia In West African Dwarf Rams

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the sedative, analgesic, cardiorespiratory, and haematological effects of intravenous midazolam-pentazocine (MP) and diazepam-pentazocine (DP) combinations in healthy West African Dwarf (WAD) rams. Methods: Six healthy male WAD rams (average 14.0 ± 2.0 kg) participated in a randomised crossover trial with a 7-day washout period. Protocol MP involved midazolam (0.6 mg/kg) plus pentazocine (0.5 mg/kg), while Protocol DP used diazepam (0.3 mg/kg) plus pentazocine (0.5 mg/kg). Results: Both combinations induced rapid, profound sedation and analgesia within 10 minutes, achieving maximum scores of 4/4. Cardiorespiratory parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation, remained stable for 90 minutes in both groups, with no significant differences except for baseline respiratory rate. Haematological analysis showed no significant changes within or between groups, indicating minimal haematotoxicity. Notably, the MP group recovered significantly faster at 80–90 minutes post-administration, with lower sedation (1.0 ± 0.6 against 1.7 ± 0.8) and analgesia (1.8 ± 0.4 against 2.3 ± 1.0) scores than the DP group. Conclusion: Both midazolam-pentazocine and diazepam-pentazocine protocols proved safe and effective for short-term sedation in West African Dwarf rams, though midazolam-pentazocine is preferable for quicker recovery, while diazepam-pentazocine suits procedures requiring longer restraint. Keywords: Midazolam, Diazepam, Pentazocine, West African Dwarf rams, Sedation