ANAESTHESIA - Ruminant and Pig Anaesthesia Flashcards
What should you do to prepare for ruminant anaesthesia?
Fast your patient
Establish intravascular access (if possible)
How long should you fast calves for prior to anaesthesia?
8 - 12 hours for food, 8 hours for water
How long should you fast mature cows for prior to anaesthesia?
12 - 24 hours for food, 12 hours for water
How long should you fast mature bulls for prior to anaesthesia?
24 - 36 hours for food, 24 hours for water
Which vessels can you use to establish vascular access in ruminants?
Jugular vein
Auricular vein
Which procedure will you commonly need to do to gain access the jugular vein in ruminants?
Venous cut down procedure because of their thick skin
What is the standard premedication combination for ruminants?
α2 agonist and Butorphanol
Which α2 agonists are licensed in ruminants?
Xylazine
Detomidine
Which opioid is licensed in ruminants?
Butorphanol
Which two risks should you be aware of when administering α2 agonists to ruminants?
Arterial hypoxaemia
Pulmonary oedema
What should you always have on hand when administering α2 agonists to ruminants?
Oxygen supplementation just in case they develop arterial hypoxaemia and/or pulmonary oedema
What can you do to reduce the risk of arterial hypoxaemia and pulmonary oedema in ruminants following α2 agonist administration?
Administer the α2 agonist IM as there is an increased risk of side effects with IV administration
What is the standard intravenous (IV) anaesthetic induction protocol in ruminants?
Ketamine ± Thiopentone
Why is thiopentone often combined with ketamine to IV induce ruminants?
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic and thus the swallowing reflex will be maintained which makes intubation very challenging. Thiopentone reduces swallowing reflex making intubation less challenging
Why is it so important to properly cuff the endotracheal tube when using thiopentone as an IV induction drug in ruminants?
Thiopentone causes regurgitation in ruminants so it is important to properly cuff the endotracheal tube to protect the airway from aspiration
Why should thiopentone only be administered IV?
Thiopentone should only be administered IV as it causes perivascular irritation and tissue necrosis
What is the standard intramuscular (IM) anaesthetic induction protocol in ruminants?
α2 agonist and ketamine