Evaluation of medetomidine-ketamine and medetomidine-ketamine-butorphanol for the field anesthesia of free-ranging dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Australia.

Abstract We report the clinical course and physiologic and anesthetic data for a case series of 76 free-ranging dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) chemically restrained, by remote injection from a helicopter, in the rangelands of Western Australia and South Australia, 2008-11, to attach satellite-tracking collars. Fifty-five camels were successfully anesthetized using medetomidine-ketamine (MK, n=27) and medetomidine-ketamine-butorphanol (MKB, n=28); the induction of anesthesia in 21 animals was considered unsuccessful. To produce reliable anesthesia for MK, medetomidine was administered at 0.22 mg/kg (± SD=0.05) and ketamine at 2.54 mg/kg (± 0.56), and for MKB, medetomidine was administered at 0.12 mg/kg (± 0.05), ketamine at 2.3 mg/kg (± 0.39), and butorphanol at 0.05 mg/kg (± 0.02). Median time-to-recumbency for MKB (8.5 min) was 2.5 min shorter than for MK (11 min) (P=0.13). For MK, the reversal atipamezole was administered at 0.24 mg/kg (± 0.10), and for MKB, atipamezole was administered at 0.23 mg/kg (± 0.13) and naltrexone at 0.17 mg/kg (± 0.16). Median time-to-recovery was 1 min shorter for MK (5 min) than MKB (6 min; P=0.02). Physiologic parameters during recumbency were not clinically different between the two regimes. Both regimes were suitable to safely anesthetize free-ranging camels; however, further investigation is required to find the safest, most consistent, and logistically practical combination.

Mass capture and anesthesia of Australian bridled nailtail wallabies (Onychogalea fraenata) with the use of medetomidine and ketamine.

We anesthetized 301 bridled nailtail wallabies (Onychogalea fraenata), captured within Scotia Sanctuary, New South Wales, Australia over four nights in October 2009 to perform health assessments before their release into a predator-proof exclosure. We tested two anesthetic dose-rate combinations, protocol 1 (0.08 mg/kg medetomidine-4.5 mg/kg ketamine), and protocol 2 (0.1 mg/kg medetomidine-5 mg/kg ketamine), each given intramuscularly. Median time from injection to recumbency for protocol 1 was 10 min (1-27 min) and for protocol 2 was 12 min (2-28) (P=0.12). Five animals died during the induction with protocol 2; none died with protocol 1 (P=0.06). Physiologic parameters were recorded during recumbency, with no significant abnormalities with protocol 1. Protocol 1 was an effective, efficient regime to anesthetize large numbers of bridled nailtail wallabies under field conditions.

Team-based learning increases active engagement and enhances development of teamwork and communication skills in a first-year course for veterinary and animal science undergraduates.

Team-based learning (TBL) was implemented into a first-year course (Principles in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics) for BSc Veterinary Bioscience (VB) and Animal Science (AS) students. TBL is now used widely in teaching medical students, but has had more limited uptake in veterinary education. This study reports its use over 2 years with cohorts of 126 and 138 students in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Average individual marks for multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests in the Readiness Assurance component of TBL were higher for the teams than for individuals for each session, explicitly demonstrating the advantages of teamwork. Students reported that they felt actively involved and that TBL helped them both with their learning and in developing other important skills, such as teamwork and communication. Qualitative analysis of written feedback from the students revealed positive themes of discussion, application, revelation, socializing, engagement, clarification, and retention/revision. In 2011 negative comments included the need to shorten the TBL sessions, but in 2012 tightening of the timelines meant that this was no longer a major concern. Requests to provide better introductory and background materials and ambiguity in questions in the TBL activities were what students least liked about the TBL. However, most comments were positive rather than negative in nature, and many students preferred the TBL to lectures. With requirements for curricula to teach professional skills, such as communication and teamwork, and the positive results from TBL's implementation, it is hoped that this study will encourage others to trial the use of TBL in veterinary education.

Comparison of Fick and thermodilution cardiac output determinations in standing horses.

The Fick and thermodilution (TD) methods are two currently popular techniques for determination of cardiac output (CO) in adult horses. To our knowledge, a comparison of these two techniques has not been reported. Six healthy, resting, fit, adult horses of either sex and weighing 516.5+/-33.2 kg (mean+/-SD) were instrumented to enable measurement of cardiac output. Resting CO was determined by the Fick method and by thermodilution while the horses stood quietly in the stocks. Fick and thermodilution CO measurements were repeated under conditions of increased cardiac output achieved with the use of a dobutamine infusion (5 microg kg(-1) min(-1), IV), and again under conditions of decreased CO induced by administration of xylazine (0.5 mg/kg, IV). Fick and thermodilution cardiac outputs were compared using Bland-Altman analysis for repeated measures. The mean of the differences+/-1.96SD (bias and precision) between the two techniques was 1.88+/-24.17 L/min. Variability between measurements with the two techniques was decreased to 3.41+/-46.78 mL kg(-1) min(-1) when CO was normalized for body size by calculation of cardiac index.

Evaluation of cardiac function in active and hibernating grizzly bears.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cardiac function parameters in a group of active and hibernating grizzly bears. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 6 subadult grizzly bears. PROCEDURE: Indirect blood pressure, a 12-lead ECG, and a routine echocardiogram were obtained in each bear during the summer active phase and during hibernation. RESULTS: All measurements of myocardial contractility were significantly lower in all bears during hibernation, compared with the active period. Mean rate of circumferential left ventricular shortening, percentage fractional shortening, and percentage left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly lower in bears during hibernation, compared with the active period. Certain indices of diastolic function appeared to indicate enhanced ventricular compliance during the hibernation period. Mean mitral inflow ratio and isovolumic relaxation time were greater during hibernation. Heart rate was significantly lower for hibernating bears, and mean cardiac index was lower but not significantly different from cardiac index during the active phase. Contrary to results obtained in hibernating rodent species, cardiac index was not significantly correlated with heart rate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cardiac function parameters in hibernating bears are opposite to the chronic bradycardic effects detected in nonhibernating species, likely because of intrinsic cardiac muscle adaptations during hibernation. Understanding mechanisms and responses of the myocardium during hibernation could yield insight into mechanisms of cardiac function regulation in various disease states in nonhibernating species.

Polymerized bovine hemoglobin (Oxyglobin Solution) administration in two river otters (Lutra canadensis).

Polymerized bovine hemoglobin (Oxyglobin Solution®) was successfully administered to two river otters (Lutra canadensis) that required general anesthesia and surgery for trap-related injuries. In both animals, blood oxygen content was maintained at presurgical levels despite a 47-70% decrease in their hematocrit. Otter 1 received a dose of 19 mL kg-1, given at a rate of 29 mL kg-1 h-1. Otter 2 received a dose of 20 mL kg-1, given at a rate of 5 mL kg-1 h-1. For many of the uncommon species, there are limited resources in the form of blood products to treat anemia, blood loss or hypovolemia. Successful use of polymerized bovine hemoglobin in these two otters suggests that it is useful for acute treatment of anemia and blood loss in such species.