Exotics Anaesthesia

Question 1

What differences of exotics in general should we keep in mind?

Answer 1

Eyes
Pharyngeal pouch
Mouth anatomy
Physiology
Respiratory system
Cardiovascular system
Gastrointestinal system

Question 2

What species specific concerns might we have?

Answer 2

Diseases/problems - species predisposition
Drug concerns
Poor husbandry - lack of knowledge
Lack of familiarity
Lack of specialist housing facilities

Question 3

What special considerations should we have for birds?

Answer 3

Hypothermia, hypoglycaemia
Air sacs
Movement of sternum essential for breathing
Complete tracheal rings - do not cuff
Both inspiration/expiration active processes so muscle relaxants affect ventilation much more
Crop, starvation dependent on size and species

Question 4

What special considerations should we have for reptiles/snakes?

Answer 4

Poikilothermic or ectothermic
Body temp. and metabolic rate depend on environmental temp. - maximise drug absorption/metabolism/elimination, minimise potential for lactic acidosis, reduce recovery time
Breath-holding
Larynx only open during active respiration
Heart has 3 chambers - if shunt, gas mismatching/poor inhalation uptake
Complete tracheal rings - avoid cuffed ET tubes
Most snakes have single functional ‘right’ lung and not a pair

Question 5

What special considerations should we have for tortoises?

Answer 5

Gas movement in and out is produced by muscle movement of limbs
No diaphragm
Lower MAP (15-30mmHg)

Question 6

What reflexes can we monitor during anaesthesia?

Answer 6

The righting reflex
Withdrawal reflexes
Jaw tone
Pulses

Question 7

How can we use Doppler as a stethoscope, and where do we place it?

Answer 7

Probe can be placed over heart to give audible heart rate
Snakes - place on apex beat
Chelonians - at thoracic inlet or on plastron at junction between pectoral and abdominal scutes (in smaller species)
Lizards - at thoracic inlet, over thoracic girdle or aimed close from behind

Question 8

What are the signs of acute pain in exotics?

Answer 8

Withdrawal of painful limb
Escape behaviours
Avoidance
Aggression
Restlessness
Increased respiration rate

Question 9

What are the signs of chronic pain in exotics?

Answer 9

Immobility
‘Stinting’
Aggression
Not as easy to identify as acute pain