Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Learning outcomes
• Identify protocols to safely anaesthetise a maned wolf
• Understand the challenges of managing a maned wolf
Background
The patient was a 4-year-old female maned wolf named Marley from Hemsley Conservation Centre . The owner of the centre contacted the practice as he was concerned that she had fractured her radius or ulna .
Marley was limping and would not bear weight on her right forelimb , which showed signs of significant swelling . Based on the photographs supplied by the centre , the primary concern was that the possible fracture was on the joint , and therefore may require complicated treatment and management .
X-ray and assessment
Before the patient ' s arrival
A risk assessment ( Appendix 1 ) was discussed with the director of the conservation centre to ensure that safety protocols were in place to reduce the risk of injury to Marley , her handlers and the practice staff . A brief history was taken , including details of Marley ' s weight and how the injury had occurred .
The lead veterinary surgeon ( VS ) and lead surgical RVN discussed protocols with the team . It was decided that Marley would be given premedication while in the crate in the transport van to maximise risk to everyone involved and nearby .
Where possible , preparations were made ahead of Marley ' s arrival , to limit the time she spent at the practice and thereby minimise her stress ; this included preparing the theatre and X-ray machine , and an intravenous ( IV ) catheter with an extension line for easy access .
Table 1 . Protocols for premedication of maned wolves .
Drugs Dose Comment
|
Ketamine
Xylazine
|
6 – 8 mg / kg
1.1 mg / kg
|
Xylazine is reversible but should not be used in compromised animals |
|
Medetomidine
Butorphanol
|
0.03 mg / kg
0.2 mg / kg
|
Medetomidine can be reversed with atipamezole at five times the agonist dose |
Midazolam
On arrival / admission of the patient
On arrival at the clinic , Marley was met by the team but she remained in her crate . The VS used a long needle to inject the premedication into the gluteus muscle . The crate was covered to reduce Marley ' s stress while the premedication took effect . Once Marley was adequately sedated , a muzzle was placed on her nose as a safety precaution . She was then lifted on to a stretcher and carried into the preparation room .
The examination
0.1 mg / kg
Butorphanol can be reversed with naltrexone at five times the agonist dose
The preparation room had been made ready in advance , so Marley was immediately put on oxygen , an IV catheter was placed in the saphenous vein and blood samples were taken ( Figure 1 ). This vein was chosen for safety , to enable the team to work away from Marley ' s head ( specifically , teeth ) whenever possible . An extension line was placed on to the IV catheter to extend accessibility .
A premedication protocol was chosen [ 5 ] based on Marley ' s weight of 22 kg , and the premedication was drawn up :
• 0.66 ml medetomidine ( 1 mg / ml )
• 0.44 ml butorphanol ( 10 mg / ml )
• 0.44 ml midazolam ( 5 mg / ml ).
See Table 1 for commonly used sedation drug protocols for maned wolves .
The team in charge of Marley ' s care agreed the plan and ensured that each person understood their role . Staff members who were not involved with the case were told to remain outside the preparation room .
Figure 1 . An IV catheter being placed into the saphenous vein .
Volume 39 ( 5 ) • October 2024
39