Camelid Surgery



Camelid Surgery



Learning Objectives


When you finish this chapter, you will be able to


• Understand the basic differences between standing surgical procedures and general anesthesia procedures


• Prepare a patient for surgery


• Assist and/or perform induction and maintenance of anesthesia


• Provide anesthetic monitoring


• Manage the patient during recovery and immediate postoperative periods


• Understand the basic risks and possible complications associated with anesthesia and surgery, and implement preventive measures when indicated



Key Terms









Preparation for Surgery


Fasting


As with other ruminants, regurgitation can occur during anesthesia. Camelids do not typically bloat in lateral recumbency or during anesthesia. Fasting is recommended for patients older than 4 months. The recommendation is to withhold food for 12 to 18 hours while providing full access to water. Fasting reduces the gastrointestinal (GI) system volume, which reduces pressure on the diaphragm and the potential for passive regurgitation during anesthesia. Fasting of patients younger than 4 months is not recommended because of their limited energy reserves. Younger patients, especially those that are nursing, are at risk for hypoglycemia, so they are often supplemented with dextrose during anesthesia. Technicians should remember that increased body temperature increases the risk for hypoglycemia in younger patients. When hypoglycemia does occur, it usually is not recognized until the recovery period. Fighting with a patient during the preanesthetic period has been shown to increase body temperature and should be avoided.



Technician Note





General Anesthesia


Anesthetic Risks for Camelid Surgery


As with other ruminants, camelids produce saliva when they are sedated or anesthetized. The same precautions taken for saliva production in other ruminants should be practiced in camelids. The body of the camelid should be elevated, allowing the head to gradually slope to the surgery table or ground (if in a field setting). The head should lie laterally against its resting surface. If the neck must be twisted in order to rest the head in this position, it is important to avoid major twisting; make the twist gradual from the shoulder to the head. The use of large pads should be avoided because they can limit venous return from the head and cause edema formation.


Nasal edema probably is the most commonly recognized complication of anesthesia in camelid patients. Even though the camelid is able to mouth breathe, nasal edema places unnecessary stress on the animal. All of the equipment for endotracheal intubation must be available should respiratory distress occur, especially during the recovery process.



Technician Note


The most common complication of camelid anesthesia is nasal edema.



Preanesthetic Preparation and Anesthetic Management


Preanesthetic Evaluation


A physical examination should be performed on each camelid patient. A packed cell volume and total protein should be evaluated before surgery. If possible, a complete blood cell count and fibrinogen level are valuable information to obtain before surgery. It is important to remember to keep the patient calm during the preanesthetic period.



Technician Note


It is important to keep the patient calm during the preanesthetic period.



Preanesthetic Drugs


Anxious or unruly camelid patients experience a greater alteration in cardiac output. Using sedatives can help control and alter this response to induction. When camelids are moderately sedated, they tend to lie down in sternal recumbency. If this occurs, induction should begin.


Xylazine is commonly used to reduce anxiety from environment stresses associated with surgical preparation. Other alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (e.g., detomidine, romifidine, and medetomidine) can be used but are more expensive, and the longer duration of action usually is not necessary. Large doses of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists can cause severe respiratory depression. Administration of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists to hyperkalemic patients can result in heart block. Use of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists should be reversed as soon as possible with alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists to minimize GI side effects. Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists should be given when the animal is able to lift its head from the floor.


Ruminants respond favorably to benzodiazepines when they are used for calming effect. Diazepam is commonly used and is best given intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously. Intramuscular absorption is variable, and other administration methods are more reliable.


Butorphanol, an opioid agonist–antagonist, is an analgesic drug with sedative effects.


Guaifenesin is a centrally acting muscle relaxant with sedative effects. Guaifenesin concentrations greater than 10% have been known to cause hemolysis in ruminants and should not be used. Concentrations of 5% can be purchased commercially.



Technician Note


Guaifenesin concentrations greater than 10% should not be used in ruminants.


Atropine does not reduce saliva production; it just reduces the aqueous portion (making the mucus thicker). It should not be used in ruminants because it decreases GI motility.

Related posts:

  1. Daily Hospital Responsibilities
  2. Porcine Surgical Procedures
  3. Porcine Clinical Procedures
  4. Admissions, Medical Records, and Physical Examinations for Large Animals

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Aug 11, 2016 | Posted by in INTERNAL MEDICINE | Comments Off on Camelid Surgery

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