Comparative Efficacy of Total Intravenous Anesthesia Versus Inhalation Anesthesia in Small Ruminant Surgery in Plateau State

Selection of the appropriate anesthetic protocol for small ruminant surgery is a clinically significant decision with direct implications for patient safety, surgical conditions, and practitioner feasibility in resource-limited settings. This study comparatively evaluates the efficacy, safety, and recovery quality of total intravenous anesthesia using a propofol-ketamine-dexmedetomidine protocol versus isoflurane-based inhalation anesthesia in goats undergoing elective abdominal surgery at the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, between April 2022 and March 2024. Forty goats were randomized equally to the two anesthetic protocols. Intraoperative cardiorespiratory parameters, anesthetic depth indicators, muscle relaxation quality, recovery time, and postoperative pain scores were compared between groups. Total intravenous anesthesia provided comparable surgical conditions to inhalation anesthesia in all measured cardiorespiratory parameters. Recovery time to standing was significantly shorter in the isoflurane group at a mean of 14 minutes versus 22 minutes for total intravenous anesthesia. Postoperative pain scores were lower in the dexmedetomidine-containing total intravenous anesthesia group. Total intravenous anesthesia was more cost-effective per procedure in the study setting. These results provide empirical evidence supporting the feasibility and safety of total intravenous anesthesia as an alternative to inhalation anesthesia for small ruminant abdominal surgery in teaching hospitals in North Central Nigeria, particularly where inhalation anesthetic equipment access is limited. Keywords: total intravenous anesthesia, small ruminant, isoflurane, goat surgery, Plateau State.