Clinical Applications of Tiva and Piva Protocols for Soft Tissue and Orthopaedic Surgeries in Goats

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the clinical application and surgical acceptability of balanced anaesthetic protocols using total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and partial intravenous anaesthesia (PIVA) in goats undergoing soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical procedures. Study Design: A prospective clinical observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy and the University Veterinary Hospital, Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Kokkalai, Thrissur, Kerala, India, between 2020 to 2023. Methodology: Goats of either sex undergoing soft tissue or orthopaedic surgeries were anaesthetised using balanced TIVA and PIVA protocols incorporating an α₂-adrenergic agonist–opioid combination for premedication, followed by intravenous induction with tiletamine–zolazepam. Anaesthesia was maintained either exclusively with intravenous agents (TIVA) or by intravenous induction followed by inhalational isoflurane maintenance (PIVA), depending on the surgical procedure. Clinical parameters assessed included quality of induction, operative conditions, degree of muscle relaxation, incidence of anaesthesia-related complications, and recovery characteristics. Results: Both TIVA and PIVA provided smooth induction, adequate depth of anaesthesia, satisfactory muscle relaxation, and stable surgical conditions for both soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures. No significant anaesthesia-related complications occurred. Recovery was smooth in all animals, with relatively faster recovery noted in goats maintained under PIVA. Physiological parameters during anaesthesia were clinically stable precluding any need for pharmacological interventions. Conclusion: Balanced TIVA and PIVA protocols using tiletamine–zolazepam were both found to be clinically safe, effective, and acceptable for routine surgical interventions and procedures in goats. Both techniques offer practical anaesthetic options across diverse clinical settings, including field and resource-limited environments, supporting their wider application in small ruminant surgical management.