Ruminant and Camelid Anesthesia Flashcards
(47 cards)
True/False: it is generally easily to restrain ruminants for a procedure without anesthesia or sedation.
True. Procedures can be done either standing or laying down. Keep procedure time to a minimum when laying down.
What is special anatomically about ruminants compared to other species?
They have a 4 compartment stomach with a rumen that does not fully empty.
What is special about camelids compared to other species?
3 compartment stomach; no jugular groove; RBC have greater oxygen carrying capacity; obligate nasal breathers
What are the aspects of a pre-anesthetic evaluation?
Physical exam: auscultation of heart and lungs; temperament
Bloodwork: PCV/TS are a minimum, glucose if neonate
True/False: we fast ruminants in order to minimize bloat and regurgitation pre-op.
True
How long do we fast sheep and goats?
Off feed 12-18 hours, off water for 4 hours
How long do we fast adult cattle and camelids?
Off feed 12-18 hours, off water 8-12 hours
How long do we fast large mature bulls?
Off feed and water 24-36 hours
How long do we fast calves, lambs, and kids?
No fasting if > 1 month but not adult
What is a side effect of fasting cattle?
Causes bradycardia
Where do we place the catheter in cattle, goats, and sheep?
IV catheter in jugular vein. Can also use auricular vein, coccygeal vein, or cephalic vein in small ruminants and camelids
What size catheter is used in ruminants?
Adult cattle: 12-14 gauge
Calves, goats, sheep: 16-18 gauge
Where do we place the catheter in camelids?
3-4 cm dorsal to angle of ventral border of mandible, or cranial to the ventral process of 5th cervical vertebra. NOT in between –> carotid artery puncture.
What are some common complications in ruminants and camelids?
Hypersalivation, bloat, hypoventilation, regurgitation (possible aspiration pneumonia), and metabolic alkalosis (secondary to fasting)
True/False: intubation is done blindly in all ruminants and camelids.
False. Blind intubation and palpation in cows and large calves, visualization required in small ruminants and camelids.
Why is intubation difficult in small ruminants and camelids?
Elongated, narrow oral cavity; torus linguae; laryngospasm; regurgitation
What size ET tube should be used in ruminants?
Adult cattle: 20-30 mm ID
Calves: 8-12 mm ID
Adult sheep and goats: 7-12 mm ID
True/False: acepromazine may be used for premedication in all ruminants.
False! It’s not approved for use in food animals by FDA.
What are the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of acepromazine in ruminants?
Slow onset, prolonged effects, and long elimination time
What are some side effects of acepromazine in ruminants?
May increase risk of regurgitation, contraindicated in hypovolemic or debilitated patients, can cause penile priapism in bulls
True/False: xylazine is not approved for use in food animals by FDA.
True
What are some species and breed differences in sensitivity to xylazine?
Goats are most sensitive; more potent in ruminants than in horses (use ~1/10th equine IV dose); Herefords and Brahmans are more sensitive than other cattle; a stressful environment can cause a prolonged response in cattle
What are the CV effects of xylazine in ruminants?
Bradycardia, AV dissociation, myocardial depression (decreased CO); may cause hypoxemia and hypercapnia and pulmonary edema (extreme caution in sheep)
What are some other side effects of xylazine in ruminants?
Uterine contraction in cows and sheep; rumen atony and bloat, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, increased urine production
