Analysis of pH and Electrolytes in Blood and Electrolytes in Ruminal Fluid, including Kidney Function Tests, in Sheep Undergoing General Anaesthesia for Laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Performing Sectio Caesarea in sheep under general anaesthesia is a common procedure in veterinary practice. The abdominal cavity can be accessed via linea alba, for which the ewe is positioned in the supine position, whereby rumen and uterus can compromise lung function. Although the rumen represents an important reservoir for fluid and electrolytes, and kidney function during anaesthesia is essential, these parameters have not been focused on in research. Therefore, the objective of this study is to contribute data on blood parameters, ruminal fluid, and kidney function tests during laparotomy. METHODS: Laparotomy was performed in 14 ewes, whereof five animals were pregnant ewes (PE) and nine non-pregnant ewes (NPE). A total of seven animals received isoflurane in addition to oxygen (inhalational anaesthesia (InhA)) and seven ewes were anaesthetised with xylazine and ketamine (total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA)); all ewes received lumbosacral anaesthesia. Blood, urine, and ruminal fluid were sampled every hour over a three-hour period. RESULTS: On comparing InhA to TIVA, higher values were detected for TIVA in haemoglobin, paced cell volume, sodium, phosphate, glucose concentration in the blood, and phosphate in ruminal fluid. Lower values were detected for TIVA in partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, and creatinine clearance. On comparing PE to NPE, higher values were detected in PE in magnesium and ruminal calcium. Lower values in PE were detected in chloride, base excess in the blood, and ruminal phosphate. Over time, an increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide, glucose in the blood, glucose in urine, and a decrease in protein and albumin could be observed. CONCLUSION: Surgery in sheep in the supine position should be performed with additional oxygen to maintain physiological pO2 and sO2 values. Kidney function could be maintained with a minimal electrolyte infusion regime. Additional glucose is not necessary, even in pregnant ewes. Further research should be conducted on parameters in ruminal fluid.

[Volvulus of the spiral colon in a pygmy goat buck]. / Volvulus der Kolonscheibe bei einem Zwergziegenbock.

In small ruminants intestinal volvulus is a rare finding and therefore only scarcely mentioned in the literature. The case report summarizes findings and clinical development of a pygmy goat with a volvulus of the spiral colon. The animal presented with a highly disturbed general condition and clinical signs of shock. It showed a painful abdomen and a balloon-shaped structure in the right dorsal abdomen. Diagnostic laparotomy revealed a rotation of the spiral colon of 360° to the right. Due to cardiovascular failure the animal died during surgery. The cause of the volvulus remains undetermined.

First report on nasal myiasis in an alpaca "Vicugna pacos" - a case report.

BACKGROUND: An infestation of bot fly larvae causes myiasis which is known to cause respiratory symptoms in ruminants. There are reports of bot fly larvae in llamas, but to our knowledge there are no previous reports of nasal myiasis due to bot flies in alpacas ("Vicugna pacos"). CASE PRESENTATION: The following case report describes a neutered male alpaca showing sneezing and mild nasal discharge. Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract revealed bot fly larvae in one nostril. After treatment with doramectin, there was no evidence of living bot fly larvae visible in the nostril. CONCLUSION: Bot fly larvae should be considered as a potential cause of respiratory symptoms in alpacas. In the present case, a treatment with doramectin was successful.