Farmacocinetica del propofolo in vitelli sottoposti a chirurgia addominale

Propofol is an anaesthetic drug characterised by a rapid action and a fast and complete recovery after administration. Propofol was intravenously administered at the dose of 3 mg.kg-1 as induction agent in 5 calves aged between 3 and 7 months suffering from umbilical hernia and undergoing surgery. Blood samples were collected until 24 h after administration and drug was quantified with HPLC technique. The kinetic behaviour of propofol was characterised by a very rapid distribution and elimination. However, results were not really homogenous among subjects probably due to the different weights and ages of individuals undergoing surgery. In all calves the induction in anaesthesia with propofol was safe with normal physiological ranges for cardio-circulatory and respiratory functions and the miorelaxation level obtained for intubation was good. In conclusion, it is possible to consider propofol as a valid anaesthetic agent in paediatric bovine surgery.