Anaesthetic management of a 10-month-old white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) calf for emergency exploratory celiotomy

A 10-month-old, 580 kg, hand-reared white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) calf was presented for emergency exploratory celiotomy. Anaesthesia was safely induced with three successive intravenous (IV) boluses of diazepam (10 mg) and ketamine (100 mg) until the trachea could be intubated. Anaesthesia was adequately maintained with isoflurane-inoxygen (mean end-tidal isoflurane concentration of 1.1% ± 0.2%) on a circle anaesthetic machine with carbon dioxide absorption and an intravenous infusion of ketamine and medetomidine at a mean rate of 0.02 mg/kg/min and 0.02 µg/kg/min, respectively. Mean values recorded during anaesthesia and surgery were heart rate (56.9 ± 11 beats/min), mean arterial blood pressure (6.16 kPa ± 1.75 kPa), end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (6.23 kPa ± 0.30 kPa). Abdominal gas distension contributed to hypoventilation that resulted in hypercapnoea, confirmed by arterial blood gas analysis (PaCO2 14.69 kPa), which required controlled ventilation for correction. Blood volume was maintained with the intravenous infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution at 10 mL/kg/h and blood pressure supported with a continuous infusion of dobutamine and phenylephrine. Duration of anaesthesia was 3.5 h. It was concluded that anaesthesia was safely induced in a compromised white rhinoceros calf with a combination of diazepam and ketamine. A constant-rate infusion of medetomidine and ketamine allowed for a reduction in the dose of isoflurane required during maintenance of anaesthesia and improved intra-operative blood pressure management.http://www.jsava.co.zaam2013mn201

Hypocalcaemia in a six-month-old hand-reared female giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

Radiological examination and surgical biopsy were required of a swelling in the cervical region in a healthy 200 kg, six-month-old hand-reared female giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). Induction was with intramuscular administration of medetomidine, butorphanol and ketamine and maintained with 1.5 per cent isoflurane-in-oxygen on a circle anaesthetic machine. Induction and maintenance were uneventful but recovery delayed and characterised by hindlimb weakness, opistotonus and torticollis of the head and neck. Atipamezole and naltrexone were administered to facilitate recovery but with minimal clinical improvement. Venous blood gas analysis indicated moderate metabolic acidosis, hypochloraemia, increased anion gap and marked hypocalcaemia (0.64 mmol/l). Intravenous administration of 60 ml calcium borogluconate resulted in a rapid improvement in muscle tone and the ability to stand. Hypocalcaemia was diagnosed in a juvenile giraffe after anaesthesia characterised by delayed recovery. Intravenous administration of calcium borogluconate resulted in rapid recovery of muscle strength and ambulance.http://vetrecordcasereports.bmj.comhb2016Companion Animal Clinical Studie

Field anaesthesia of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Immobilisation and anaesthesia of elephants may be required for various reasons, such as the capture, transport and clinical examination of captive animals, e.g. at a zoological park, or for minor surgical procedures. General anaesthesia is required for wound treatment, i.e trunk lacerations and dental surgery, or population control, i.e. laparoscopic vasectomy.http://www.sajaa.co.za/index.php/sajaaam2014mn201

Long-term surgical anaesthesia with isoflurane in human habituated Nile Crocodiles

A suitable long-term anaesthetic technique was required for implantation of physiological sensors and telemetric devices in sub-adult Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) to allow the collection of physiological data. Five Nile crocodiles with a median body mass of 24 kg were used. After manual capture, they were blindfolded and 0.2 mL (1 mg/mL) medetomidine was administered intramuscularly in four of the animals which had an estimated body mass between 20 kg and 30 kg. One crocodile with an estimated body mass of 50 kg received 0.5 mL. For induction, 5 mL propofol (10 mg/mL) was injected intravenously into the occipital sinus. Additional doses were given when required to ensure adequate anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was maintained with 1.5% isoflurane. Ventilation was controlled. Local anaesthesia was administered for surgical incision and external placement of the radio transmitter. Medetomidine was antagonised with atipamezole at the end of surgery. Median heart rate during surgery was 22 beats/min, at extubation 32 beats per min and 30 beats per min the following day at the same body temperature as under anaesthesia. Median body temperature of the animals increased from 27.3 °C to 27.9 °C during anaesthesia, as room temperature increased from 24.5 °C to 29.0 °C during surgery. Anaesthesia was successfully induced with intramuscular medetomidine and intravenous propofol and was maintained with isoflurane for the placement of telemetric implants. Intraoperative analgesia was supplemented with lidocaine infiltration. Perioperative physiological parameters remained stable and within acceptable clinical limits. Multiple factors appear to influence these variables during the recovery period, including residual anaesthetic effects, environmental temperature and physical activity.http://www.jsava.co.za/am2017Companion Animal Clinical Studie

The minimum infusion rate of alfaxalone during its co-administration with lidocaine at three different doses by constant rate infusion in goats

OBJECTIVE : To determine the minimum infusion rate (MIR) of alfaxalone required to prevent purposeful movement in response to standardized stimulation while co-administered with lidocaine at three different doses by constant infusion rate infusion (CRI) in goats. STUDY DESIGN : Prospective, blinded, randomized crossover, experimental. ANIMALS : A total of eight healthy goats: four does and four wethers. METHODS: Anaesthetic induction was with lidocaine at 1 mg kg−1 [low dose of lidocaine (L-Lid)], 2 mg kg−1 [moderate dose (M-Lid)] or 4 mg kg−1 [high dose (H-Lid)] and alfaxalone at 2 mg kg−1. Anaesthetic maintenance was with alfaxalone initially at 9.6 mg kg−1 hour−1 combined with one of three lidocaine treatments: 3 mg kg−1 hour−1 (L-Lid), 6 mg kg−1 hour−1 (M-Lid) or 12 mg kg−1 hour−1 (H-Lid). The MIR of alfaxalone was determined by testing for responses to a stimulation in the form of clamping on a digit with a Vulsellum forceps every 30 minutes during lidocaine CRI. Basic cardiopulmonary parameters were measured. RESULTS : The alfaxalone MIRs were 8.64 (6.72–10.56), 6.72 (6.72–8.64) and 6.72 (6.72–6.72) mg kg−1 hour−1 during L-Lid, M-Lid and H-Lid, respectively, without any significant differences among treatments. Compared to the initial rate of 9.6 mg kg−1 hour−1, these reductions in MIR are equivalent to 10, 30 and 30%, respectively. Significant increases in heart rate (HR) and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) and decreases in arterial haemoglobin saturation (SaO2), arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and respiratory frequency (fR) immediately after induction were observed during all lidocaine treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE : Lidocaine reduces the alfaxalone MIR by up to 30% with a tendency towards a plateauing in this effect at high CRIs. Immediate oxygen supplementation might be required to prevent hypoxaemia.The Beit Trust and National Research Foundation of South Africa.https://www.journals.elsevier.com/veterinary-anaesthesia-and-analgesia2019-05-01hj2018Companion Animal Clinical StudiesSchool of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH

Effects of fentanyl on isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration and cardiovascular function in mechanicallly ventilated goats

Effects of fentanyl on minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane and cardiovascular function in mechanically-ventilated goats were evaluated using six healthy goats (3 does and 3 wethers). Following induction of general anaesthesia with isoflurane, endotracheal intubation was performed and anaesthesia maintained with isoflurane. Baseline isoflurane MAC in response to clamping a claw with a Vulsellum forceps was determined. Immediately after baseline isoflurane MAC determination, the goats then received, on separate occasions, one of three fentanyl treatments intravenously: bolus of 0.005 mg/kg followed by constant rate infusion (CRI) of 0.005 mg/kg/hour (Treatment LFENT), bolus of 0.015 mg/kg followed by CRI of 0.015 mg/kg/hour (Treatment MFENT), bolus of 0.03 mg/kg followed by CRI of 0.03 mg/kg/hour (Treatment HFENT). Isoflurane MAC was re-determined during fentanyl CRI treatments. Cardiopulmonary parameters were monitored. Quality of recovery was scored. A four-week washout period was allowed between treatments. The observed baseline isoflurane MAC was 1.32 (1.29-1.36)%. Isoflurane MAC decreased to 0.98 (0.92-1.01)%, 0.75 (0.69-0.79)% and 0.58 (0.51- 0.65)% following LFENT, MFENT and HFENT respectively. Cardiovascular function was not adversely affected. Quality of recovery from general anaesthesia was good, although exaggerated tail-wagging was observed on some goats following MFENT and HFENT. Fentanyl reduces isoflurane MAC in a dosedependent manner with minimal adverse cardiovascular effects in healthy, mechanically-ventilated goats.The University of Pretoria, the South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF) (laboratory costs), Fresenius Kabi South Africa (propofol and lactated Ringer's) and the University of Pretoria - Utrecht University Memorandum of Understanding (UP-UU) MSc/PhD Research Fund (purchase and husbandry of the goats).http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/mn201

Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with propofol-fentanyl and propofol-midazolam combinations in spontaneously-breathing goats

Objective To compare the efficacy and cardiopulmonary effects of propofol and fentanyl, with propofol and midazolam for total intravenous anaesthesia. Study design Prospective, randomized, crossover experimental study. Animals Six goats; three does and three wethers. Methods Goats received either fentanyl 0.02 mg kg−1 (treatment FP) or midazolam 0.3 mg kg−1 (treatment MP) intravenously. One minute later anaesthesia was induced with propofol, then maintained by constant rate infusion of propofol 12.0 mg kg−1 hour−1 and fentanyl 0.02 mg kg−1 hour−1 (treatment FP) or propofol 12.0 mg kg−1 hour−1 and midazolam 0.3 mg kg−1 hour−1 (treatment MP) for 90 minutes. Response to noxious stimulus was tested every 10 minutes and propofol dose adjusted to prevent purposeful movement. Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured continuously, and arterial blood-gas analysis performed intermittently. Recovery was timed and quality scored. Results are presented as median (IQR). Results Differences in the propofol induction dose [4.00 (3.96–4.01) and 3.97 (3.91–4.00) mg kg−1 for treatments FP and MP, respectively] were not significant. Quality of induction in both groups was smooth. The median propofol dose for maintenance was less (p = 0.004) with treatment FP (12.0 mg kg−1 hour−1) than MP (18.0 mg kg−1 hour−1). Cardiopulmonary function was well maintained with both treatments. Recovery times in minutes from the end of anaesthetic infusion for treatments FP and MP respectively were; to extubation 3.0 (3.0–3.0) and 4.5 (3.3–5.0); to sternal position, 4.5 (3.3–5.0) and 5.0 (5.0–6.5) and to standing 13.0 (10.3–15.0) and 15.0 (11.3–17.3). Quality of recovery was acceptable in both groups, but abnormal behavioural signs were observed after treatment FP. Conclusions and clinical relevance Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and fentanyl or propofol and midazolam, at the doses studied, in spontaneously-breathing, oxygen-supplemented goats is practicable. Recovery from the fentanyl-propofol combination is not always smooth.This study was jointly funded by the University of Pretoria; Fresenius Kabi, South Africa and the University of Pretoria / Utrecht University Memorandum of Understanding (UP/UU) MSc/PhD Research Fund. Gratitude is expressed to Ms Monicca Ngobeni of the University of Pretoria Biomedical Centre who worked tirelessly in offering technical support.http://www.blackwell-synergy.co

Isolation of pure Babesia equi and Babesia caballi organisms in splenectomized horses from endemic areas in South Africa

Both Babesia equi and Babesia caballi are endemic in large parts of South Africa. Attempts were made to obtain pure local isolates of both B. equi and B. caballi for the purpose of developing serological tests to study the epidemiology of equine babesiosis in this country. The indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to screen horses for B. equi and B. caballi in an endemic area. Seven horses and 3 donkeys between 3 and 36 months of age that tested negative were subsequently splenectomized. The splenectomy operation was performed through the abdominal approach. A 100% survival rate was achieved through this method, probably because it reduced the risk involved in the operation. Blood collected from naturally infected horses and passaged in fully susceptible spenectomized horses and a donkey, under laboratory conditions, produced 2 isolates of Babesia caballi and 1 of B. equi. Microscopical and serological examinations confirmed that these were pure isolates.The articles have been scanned in colour with a HP Scanjet 5590; 600dpi. Adobe Acrobat XI Pro was used to OCR the text and also for the merging and conversion to the final presentation PDF-format.lmchunu2014mn201

Antinociceptive effects of epidural magnesium sulphate alone and in combination with morphine in dogs

OBJECTIVE : To compare the antinociceptive effects of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) when administered epidurally alone and in combination with morphine. STUDY DESIGN : Experimental, randomized, ‘blinded’, crossover study. ANIMALS : Six healthy adult Beagle dogs. METHODS : Evaluated treatments were MgSO4 (2.5 mg kg 1) alone (Mg), morphine (0.1 mg kg 1) alone (Mo), MgSO4 in combination with morphine (Mm), and sterile water (0.115 mL kg 1; Co) that were injected in the lumbosacral epidural space using an epidural catheter. Antinociception was measured using the von Frey mechanical threshold device applied to the carpal pads, both sides of the thorax and metatarsi. Measurements were obtained at time points: before treatment (baseline) and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours after the epidural injection. Sedation, behaviour score and presence of motor deficits were assessed. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model and Bonferroni adjustments, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS : There were significant effects of treatment and time in all regions. Overall threshold values in grammes force [median (interquartile range)] when stimulation regions were combined were significantly higher in Mg [164 (135–200)], Mo 156 (129–195)] and Mm [158 (131–192)] compared to Co [145 (120–179)]. Thresholds were significantly higher compared to Co in Mg, Mo and Mm at the thorax and metatarsi, but only in Mg and Mo at the carpal pads. No motor deficits were observed at any time point. Thresholds (combined regions) were increased from baseline at one or more time points with all treatments, including control. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE : Epidural MgSO4 produced an antinociceptive effect characterised by an increase in the mechanical thresholds of similar magnitude to that produced by epidural morphine, compared with the control group, without causing any motor deficits. No potentiation of morphine antinociception was observed. The onset and offset times of antinociception could not be clearly established. To what extent these results can be extrapolated to clinical cases requires further investigation.Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies of the University of Pretoria and the University of Pretoria Research Fund.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1467-29952016-05-31hb201

Single-incision laparoscopic sterilization of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

OBJECTIVE : To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) using single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). STUDY DESIGN : Prospective cohort. ANIMALS : Female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) ( n ¼ 21). METHODS : Cheetahs were randomly divided to receive either ovariectomy (n ¼ 11) or salpingectomy (n ¼ 10). The use and complications of a SILS port was evaluated in all of cheetahs. Surgery duration and insufflation volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2) were recorded and compared across procedures. RESULTS : Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications using a SILS port. The poorly-developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa facilitated access to the uterine tube for salpingectomy in the cheetah. The median surgery duration for ovariectomy was 24 minutes (interquartile range 3) and for salpingectomy was 19.5 minutes (interquartile range 3) (P ¼.005). The median volume of CO2 used for ovariectomy was 11.25 L (interquartile range 3.08) and for salpingectomy was 4.90 L (interquartile range 2.52), (P ¼.001) CONCLUSIONS : Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be performed in the cheetah using SILS without perioperative complications. Salpingectomy is faster than ovariectomy and requires less total CO2 for insufflation.NRF grants, AfriCat. Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa and the Arabella Dean fund of the South African Veterinary Foundation.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1532-950X2016-07-30hb2015ab201