Anaesthesia guidelines in ruminants and general considerations.

1. Acclimation

Do not use newly arrived animals for experimental procedures until 72 hours after entry into the facility. A one-week acclimation period is recommended. acclimation acclimate synonym  This stabilization period is not required for animals used acutely (anaesthetized and euthanized at the end of the procedure), although it is recommended. This provision allows animals to acclimate to the facility and reduces the chance of stress-induced disease, including anaesthetic death.

2. Padding and positioning

Proper padding and optimal positioning of ruminants during surgery are important. Whenever possible, standing surgeries with local anaesthetic blocks are preferred. 
However, if recumbency is required, place ruminants on a flat surface with sufficient padding. A minimum of one- to two-inch thickness is recommended for calves, sheep, and goats.  Because of their size, ruminants often require mechanical ventilation during anaesthetic procedures.


3. Fasting

Fast animals for 24 hours before an anaesthetic event. 

4. Heat

Because most anaesthetic drugs cause hypotension and hyperthermia, provide supplemental heat under anaesthesia. Despite having wool, sheep become hypothermic during anaesthesia and standard methods should be used to maintain body temperature (insulating blankets, heating pads, etc.). 
Supplemental heat sources include circulating water blankets, air heating devices or commercial products that can be heated up or create heat via a safe chemical reaction. NO electric heating pads are allowed for use with ruminants. Regardless of the heat source, never place animals directly on the heat.

5. Catheterization

Following sedation, place an indwelling catheter to administer anaesthetic drugs, emergency drugs, and intravenous fluid support. The most common site for catheter placement is the jugular vein. Appropriate sizes for jugular catheterization: 16G or 18G in sheep, goats, or calves, and 12G or 14G in adult cattle.  

6. Fluid support

It is important to provide supplemental fluid support. Appropriate fluid rates range from 5-10 MLS/kg/hour and may vary based on the anaesthetic combination used.  

7. Rumen tubes

Due to the propensity for ruminants to regurgitate and/or develop bloat, place a rumen tube in anaesthetized ruminants. 


8. Monitoring

Standard mammalian monitoring techniques apply to ruminants. The goal of monitoring should be to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis and core body temperature.
Understanding the basic physiologic effects of the anaesthetics used is paramount to correctly interpreting monitoring parameters.  Parameters to be monitored in anaesthetized ruminants include anaesthetic depth, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, expired CO2 (EtCO2), temperature, blood pressure, and mucous membrane colour.


Vaginal Prolapse in Buffalo
                         


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