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Abstract
Respiratory stimulants are widely used in asphyxic neonatal calves despite a lack
of data about their effectiveness and indications of possible side effects. The effect
of doxapram and theophylline on respiratory, cardiovascular, and acid-base variables
was investigated in 10 healthy neonatal calves (Bos Taurus). A venous, a peripheral
arterial, and a pulmonary arterial catheter were placed, and central venous, pulmonary,
and systemic blood pressures and cardiac output were measured using thermodilution
technique. Doxapram, but not theophylline, led to an immediate increase in respiratory
rate (P <or= 0.01). The arterial pCO(2) decreased to 27.1+/-4.7 mm Hg within 30 sec
after doxapram administration and to 46.3+/-5.8 mm Hg within 120 min after theophylline
administration (P<0.0001). The systolic pulmonary pressure increased from 70+/-8mm
Hg (mean+/-SD) to 93+/-19 mm Hg within 30 sec after doxapram, but decreased after
theophylline. The pulmonary vascular resistance also increased after doxapram and
decreased after theophylline (P<0.01). Doxapram had a more pronounced and faster effect
on respiratory rate and elimination of CO(2) than theophylline. Doxapram, but not
theophylline, is indicated for treatment of postnatal asphyxia in calves, but there
are potential cardiovascular side effects.
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