EFFECT OF GRADED DOSE OF ORAL TRAMADOL ON CORTISOL AND TESTOSTERONE PROFILE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF BUCK

Abstract

The study intended to investigate the effect of long term doses of tramadol on the testosterone and cortisol levels in WAD Bucks. Testosterone and cortisol are one of the major sexually hormone that depicts the reproductive potential of animals. 10 sexually mature WAD bucks were used for the research weighing between 15-18kg. The animals were group into A and B. They both serve as their control [pre-treatment] after which blood was collected from the animal. Tramadol of 50mg and 100 doses were given to animals in group Aand B respectively for 21 days daily. Both pre-treatment post treatment serum collected was assayed for testosterone and cortisol using Micro well ELIZA technique. There was no significant difference in the level of cortisol in the bucks with treatment of both 50mg and 100mg. In the testosterone profile, there is significant difference (p<0.05) in its level with 100mg but not significant difference in treatment with 50mg dose. From this result it can therefore be deducted that prolonged treatment of algesia with tramadol of 100mg dose should be discourage as its affect the testosterone level which may result into decrease sexual function, a reduction in libido and erectile dysfunction.