Induction in exotics

Question 1

What are some of the common problems with rabbit anaesthesia?

Answer 1

– Hypothermia
– Prolonged recovery with some protocols leading to GI disturbances
– Difficult intubation
– Respiratory obstruction leading to cyanosis

Question 2

How long should birds be fasted for pre-op?

Answer 2

4-6h to ensure crop is empty

Question 3

What is the best way to position birds during GA?

Answer 3

Best in ventrolateral recumbency

Question 4

How do we induce birds?

Answer 4

Most inductions are performed using an inhalant (e.g. isoflurane in oxygen)
• Apnoea common, so intubation strongly recommended butthey have complete rings of cartilage so don’t inflate the cuff
• Air sac cannulation is possible

Question 5

What are some of the challenges of reptile anaesthesia?

Answer 5

• Blood shunting can make gas induction and/or maintenance difficult or even impossible
• Heart rate often does not change even from deep anaesthetic plane to very much awake!
• Respiration abolished at surgical planes –> IPPV

Question 6

What reptiles favour gas induction?

Answer 6

Chelonia especially difficult to induce with gas
Gas induction ok in smaller lizards and snakes
Venous access can be difficult in some species

Question 7

What is important to remember when intubating reptiles?

Answer 7

(Intubation generally straight forward _ chelonia can be difficult due to large, fleshy tongue)
Glottis remains closed when not breathing

Question 8

Which way do snakes induce?

Answer 8

Snakes induce from head to tail and recover in reverse order

Question 9

Which vein would you use in a lizard?

Answer 9

coccygeal vein

Question 10

How do you IPPV lizards?

Answer 10

Lizards can be intubated: The opening is found at the base of the tongue on the floor of the oral cavity
IPPV is provided 1-2 x minute

Question 11

Why should you avoid sudden changes in position of lizards?

Answer 11

Avoid any sudden changes in body position as it can cause cardiac arrest

Question 12

Where do you take blood samples from in chelonians?

Answer 12

Blood is best sampled from the jugular vein to avoid lymph contamination

Question 13

How do you induce fish?

Answer 13

Commonly use MS-222 in water (some species may require injectable techniques e.g. Lungfish)
Using the powder make stock solution, buffered with sodium bicarbonate
Add to oxygenated water from tank/pond
Cumulative so once anaesthetised remove from solution

Question 14

How do you maintain fish?

Answer 14

Short procedures <5 minutes can remove from water and keep moistened
Longer procedures requires oxygenated water over gills +/- anaesthetic solution