Author/Authors :
Pohlin, Friederike Department of Paraclinical Sciences - Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies - Faculty of Veterinary Science - University of Pretoria, Africa , Buss, Peter Veterinary Wildlife Services - South African National Parks - Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa , Miller, Michele Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research - Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics - Faculty of Medicine and Health Science - Stellenbosch University, South Africa , Steenkamp, Gerhard Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies - Faculty of Veterinary Science - University of Pretoria, South Africa , Gleed, Robin Section of Anaesthesiology - Department of Clinical Sciences - Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, USA , Poore, Luke Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies - Faculty of Veterinary Science - University of Pretoria, South Africa , Boesch, Jordyn Section of Anaesthesiology - Department of Clinical Sciences - Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, USA , Zeiler, Gareth Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies - Faculty of Veterinary Science - University of Pretoria, South Africa
Abstract :
A subadult white rhinoceros bull presented for oesophageal endoscopic evaluation and foreign body removal under general
anaesthesia. Te animal had a history of nasal and oral regurgitation of water and ingesta with weight-loss for 6 days prior to
the procedure and had been diagnosed with oesophageal obstruction caused by a bailing wire. Anaesthesia was induced with
intramuscular etorphine and azaperone delivered remotely by dart, followed by an intravenous bolus of ketamine. Te trachea
was intubated, and anaesthesia was maintained with an etorphine-ketamine constant rate infusion (CRI). Te rhinoceros did
not respond predictably to induction of anaesthesia and developed life-threatening systemic hypotension throughout the 90-
minute procedure. A mega-vertebrate demand ventilator was successfully used to provide intermittent positive pressure ventilation
when the rhinoceros developed apnoea. Tis case report describes the maintenance of anaesthesia of a white rhinoceros using an
etorphine-ketamine CRI and the causes and management of hypotension and respiratory impairment observed in this patient.
