Doppler ultrasound is more accurate than pulse oximeter plethysmography in the measurement of systolic arterial pressure from the median caudal artery in anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of doppler ultrasound (DOP) and pulse oximeter plethysmography (POP) in the measurement of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) to invasive blood pressure (IBP) in anesthetized dogs. ANIMALS: 40 client-owned healthy dogs > 10 kg. METHODS: Dogs were anesthetized for surgical procedures in dorsal recumbency. Invasive blood pressure was measured from a dorsal pedal artery. DOP and POP device probes were placed over the median caudal artery with a flow-occluding cuff for noninvasive blood pressure measurement. Systolic arterial pressure measured by DOP, loss of pulse oximeter plethysmograph (POPL), and return of pulse oximeter plethysmograph (POPR) were compared to SAP measured by IBP. A linear mixed model was used to determine correlation. Bland-Altman analyses were performed to determine bias, SD, and limits of agreement. The accuracy of DOP and POP was compared to IBP across different tensive states. RESULTS: Conditional R2 values for DOP, POPL, and POPR versus IBP were 0.92, 0.85, and 0.87, respectively (all P < .001). The biases for DOP, POPL, and POPR compared to IBP were +7.6 ± 13.1, +3.9 ± 14.4, and +8.6 ± 15.2 mm Hg (bias ± SD), respectively. Limits of agreement (lower, upper) were (-18.1, +33.3), (-24.3, +32.1), and (-21.2, +38.4) mm Hg for DOP, POPL, and POPR, respectively. DOP and POP overestimated SAP during hypotension (SAP < 90 mm Hg), DOP to a lesser magnitude. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: DOP measured from the median caudal artery may be acceptable for SAP measurement in dorsally recumbent, healthy anesthetized dogs > 10 kg. POP was determined an unacceptable method.

A three-portal laparoscopic hysterectomy in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) with a uterine manipulator and vessel sealing device.

OBJECTIVE: To report the treatment and outcome of a a captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) undergoing 3-portal laparoscopic hysterectomy. Additionally, the technique used for successful urinary catheterization is described. ANIMALS: A 29-year-old female intact chimpanzee with uterine bleeding. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case report. METHODS: Uterine changes consistent with adenomyosis and/or endometriosis were noted on abdominal ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examinations. A urinary catheter was placed before a 3-portal laparoscopic hysterectomy with a uterine manipulator (VCare) and a vessel sealer (Ligasure). The uterus was submitted for histopathology. RESULTS: Preoperative urinary catheterization was achieved with several modifications and prevented bladder protrusion into the surgical field. Laparoscopy provided excellent visualization of the pelvic structures and VCare effectively maneuvered the uterus for a safe and efficient dissection. The use of the vessel sealer was effective, and bleeding was minimal. Anesthesia and surgery lasted 240 and 150 minutes, respectively. No complications were encountered. Histopathological changes of the uterus were consistent with adenomyosis and myometrial hyperplasia. The chimpanzee recovered uneventfully and returned to normal behavior with no recurrence of uterine bleeding 5 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The 3-portal laparoscopic technique reported here allowed hysterectomy without complication in this chimpanzee. Urinary catheterization was technically challenging but successful.

Ferret Sedation and Anesthesia.

Providing safe anesthetic events in ferrets can be achieved if fundamental principles in anesthesia are followed. Each phase of the anesthetic, event including preanesthetic, maintenance, and postanesthetic phase, have certain considerations. The anesthetic supervisor or veterinarian providing management should have a firm understanding of the species-specific anatomy, physiology, and common indications of general anesthesia along with perspective of their own experience with ferrets. Ensuring these guidelines are followed will facilitate safe administration of general anesthesia in this species.

Laryngeal function in normal dogs administered isoflurane following partial clearance of alfaxalone or propofol.

OBJECTIVE: To assess laryngeal function in normal dogs administered isoflurane following partial clearance of alfaxalone or propofol. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized experimental crossover study. ANIMALS: A group of 12 purpose-bred, male Beagle dogs. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: alfaxalone-isoflurane (ALF-ISO) or propofol-isoflurane (PRO-ISO) and anesthetized for three video laryngoscopy examinations. The alternate treatment occurred after ≥ 14 days interval. Examinations were performed after induction of anesthesia (LS-A), after 20 minutes of breathing isoflurane via a facemask (LS-B) and after a further 20 minutes of isoflurane (LS-C). Parameters of objective laryngeal function included inspiratory rima glottidis surface area (RGSA-I), expiratory rima glottidis surface area (RGSA-E) and % RGSA increase, calculated from three consecutive respiratory cycles in the final 15 seconds of each video laryngoscopy examination. The % RGSA increase was calculated using [(RGSA-I - RGSA-E)/RGSA-E] × 100. Subjective laryngeal function was evaluated independently by two experienced surgeons blinded to treatment. RESULTS: The % RGSA increase within each treatment was greater for LS-B and LS-C than for LS-A (ALF-ISO: p = 0.03, PRO-ISO: p = < 0.001). There was no difference within each treatment from LS-B compared with LS-C. RGSA-I increased within each treatment from LS-A to both LS-B and LS-C (ALF-ISO: p = 0.002) and to LS-C (PRO-ISO: p = 0.006). Subjective laryngeal function scores improved from LS-A to LS-C. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laryngeal function improved from postinduction examination following either 20 or 40 minutes of anesthesia with isoflurane via facemask. This study demonstrates that isoflurane may have a lesser effect on arytenoid abduction activity compared with more commonly used intravenous induction anesthetics (alfaxalone and propofol).

Diversity and Abundance of Nonculicid Biting Flies (Diptera) In A Zoo Environment.

The diversity of nonculicid biting flies was surveyed in Sunset Zoo, Manhattan, KS, by carbon dioxide-baited traps. A total of 8,399 nonculicid biting-fly females representing 32 species and 5 families were collected. Twenty-one biting midge (Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) and 7 black fly (Simuliidae) species were collected, including new state records of 3 Culicoides and 1 simuliid. The species richness of Culicoides and Simuliidae within the zoo represents 72.4% and 41.2%, respectively, of the fauna known to occur in Kansas. Trap type significantly influenced (P < 0.05) collections of the 5 species analyzed, and trapping period affected 3 species. The diversity and abundance of nonculicid biting flies in the zoo as related to animal health and wellness is discussed.