RE: Exotic Anaesthesia - small furries

Angel — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 02:40:57 GMT

Hi!

I have the BSAVA Rabbit Manual (Flecknell, 2000). Agreed the manual may be classed as "old" now. I am pretty sure that it's been updated. Mr Flecknell uses some pretty impressive techniques when it comes down to rab anaesthesia.

I also have the Textbook of Rabbit Medicine, (Harcourt Brown, 2002), this book has been invaluable. I believe that Molly Varga (Rabbit & Exotic specialist), has been working with Ms Harcourt Brown to produce a new edition.

There are several techniques that I have seen/used during my time locumming in practice........

per s/c or i/m injection

Triple combo; Butorphanol, Medetomidine and Ketamine -untubed

Double combo: Acepromazine and Buprenorphine - untubed but masked 100% O2

Atipamazole reversal following ket usage.

I do hate the triple combo because the ketamine aspect always makes poor bunny trip out. They end up rolling and throwing themselves around their kennel, I hate to watch this, and strongly recomend that this technique is not used.

another old drug.....Hypnorm used to be used, however this resulted in quite a few deaths I am unsure if this is still in use or if it has been withdrawn.

Direct mask:

- O2 + volatile (isoflurane used frequently) Sevoflurane + O2. Please note both of these products are unlicensed for use in buns.

Scavenged Gas Chamber using above agents without pre-med/sedation

Patients fully gassed down will need tubing. Size 00 to Size 2, uncuffed standard E/T tube OR.....new laryngeal mask by Millpledge.

:;NOTE:: WHEN PLACING AN ET TUBE OR LARYNGEAL MASK YOU MUST USE XYLOCAINE TO PREVENT PARALYSIS OF THE LARYNX.

Laryngeal paralysis will result in bradycardia and cyanosis and ultimately death of the patient! DO NOT PROLONG TUBING TECHNIQUE......Mare sure after every 2 minutes of unsuccessful tubing, 100% O2 is given to prevent hypoxia.

When tubing, a McGill or Flecknell blade is preferred to visualise the larynx, however it may be easier to place tube without the need for the blades. Listen for stomach sounds.....place bun in full sternal rec, fully extend neck upwards then using sound, carefully place E\Tube.

If trying to perform venepuncture, yes the marginal ear vein may be a lovely idea.....easy access etc but just remember it's very painful to inject into the pinna, the cephalic vein is often like a drainpipe and is often left unused. The skin here is far tougher, therefore it may be necessary to perform a venous cut down. You need to assess each patient's demeanour!

Anyhow, I hope some of the above helps you.

Best of luck

Angel

RE: Exotic Anaesthesia - small furries

steph fursland — Sun, 15 May 2016 15:25:27 GMT

www.thewebinarvet.com has some webinars sponsored by Supreme pet foods about rabbits (there's an anaesthesia one and also inpatient/critical care one)