DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.56496 / GQPH2309

Jemma Thorogood , RVN , A1 , NCert ( AnBehav ), Merit Award ( Medicine ), ESME ( Cert ), VPAC

Jemma is the lead nurse for the Anaesthesia Department at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St . Kitts , West Indies . In this role , she trains veterinary students in anaesthesia techniques for a variety of species , including donkeys , sheep , cats and dogs . She is passionate about both veterinary medicine and anaesthesia , and particularly enjoys the teaching aspect of her work . Jemma is currently pursuing a master ' s degree in research to further expand her expertise in the field .

ABSTRACT This case study explores the common complications that can arise in the anaesthesia of a healthy donkey . Despite the routine nature of the procedure in this case ( surgical castration ), complications such as hypoventilation , hypotension , hypothermia and hypoxia emerged . The article includes the results of the patient ' s arterial blood gas analysis and a summary of the actions taken to resolve the complications .

A Nevisian donkey underwent routine surgical castration under anaesthesia , during which several common complications arose . Under the American Society of Anesthesiologists ' ( ASA ) physical status classification , the donkey was Grade 1 ( a normal healthy patient ).

Hypotension developed and was managed effectively by adjusting the depth of anaesthesia , administering an intravenous fluid bolus and initiating a constant-rate infusion of dobutamine . Following the administration of dobutamine , the patient ' s systolic blood pressure improved and was maintained above 100 mmHg .

Hypercapnia , attributed to mild respiratory depression , was observed but remained within acceptable limits , with normal blood pH , requiring no intervention . A reduced ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen ( PaO 2

) to fractional inspired oxygen ( FiO 2

), with the potential to progress to hypoxia , was corrected through an alveolar recruitment manoeuvre . This involved increasing the positive inspiratory pressure to 30 cmH 2

O and applying

10 cmH 2

O of positive end-expiratory pressure , which effectively improved oxygenation .

Recovery was supported with intranasal oxygen until the donkey could stand ; this process was uneventful . The case highlights the importance of anticipating and promptly managing complications during the anaesthesia of a donkey . It also underscores the need for veterinary professionals to recognise that donkeys , with their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics , should not be treated as small horses .

Keywords donkey , castration , surgery , anaesthesia , arterial blood gas , hypotension , hypoxia

16 Veterinary Nursing Journal