Determination of an optimal dose of medetomidine-ketamine-buprenorphine for anaesthesia in the Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris)

The optimal dose of medetomidine-ketamine-buprenorphine was determined in 25 Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris) undergoing surgical implantation of a temperature logger into the abdominal cavity. At the end of anaesthesia, the squirrels were given atipamezole intramuscularly to reverse the effects of medetomidine. The mean dose of medetomidine was 67.6±9.2 μg/kg, ketamine 13.6±1.9 mg/kg and buprenorphine 0.5±0.06 μg/kg. Induction time was 3.1 ± 1.4 min. This produced surgical anaesthesia for 21± 4.2 min. Atipamezole 232±92 μg/kg produced a rapid recovery. Squirrels were sternally recumbent in 3.5 ± 2.2 min.http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_savet.htm

Laparoscopic sterilization of the African lioness (Panthera leo)

OBJECTIVE : To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the African lioness (Panthera leo). STUDY DESIGN : Descriptive clinical study. ANIMALS : Female lions (n = 16). METHODS : Lionesses were randomly divided into 2 groups: O = ovariectomy (n = 8) and S = salpingectomy (n = 8) for laparoscopic surgery. Two Veress needle placement techniques were used. RESULTS : Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications. The poorly developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa rendered the uterine tube more accessible for salpingectomy compared to the dog making the procedure easier in the lioness. Similarly, salpingectomy is a relatively easier procedure compared with ovariectomy especially when the modified Hasson technique for Veress needle placement is used. CONCLUSIONS : Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be safely performed in the African lioness.University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa and the Arabella Dean fund of the South African Veterinary Foundation. This study was partly funded by the NRF grant of Prof. Schoeman.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1532-950Xhb2013mn201