Exotics 3: Anaesthesia of exotics species

Question 1

What venous access do we have?

Answer 1

1. Difficult to keep IV catheters in place post-operatively. We use:
2. Medial metatarsal vein = Poultry, waterfowl, larger species
3. Ulner / brachial vein
   - Medium to larger species
   - IV catheter needs to be “butterflied” and sutured to skin
   - Prone to hematomas
4. Intra-osseous catheter
   - Smaller species
   - Proximal tibiotarsus or Distal Ulna (radiographs)
   - Xray to confirm in place

Question 2

What supportive care do we have for birds in GA?

Answer 2

1. Ventilation
2. Fluids
3. Temperature
4. Patient monitoring