Anaesthetic monitoring
During anaesthesia, kinkajous are prone to increased salivation. This should be monitored closely, as there is a risk of aspiration. Like cats and dogs, they can be monitored with multiparameter monitoring equipment. The normal heart rate of a kinkajou is 170 – 200 bpm and the respiratory rate is 15 – 30 breaths / min. Body temperature should be maintained between 37.7 ° C and 39.4 ° C [ 8 ]. As with all mammals, it is important to keep kinkajou eyes well lubricated during anaesthesia.
This patient ' s parameters were monitored throughout the procedure( Table 1). There was no sign of increased salivation. Active warming was in place, in the form of a pressure-sensitive heat pad.
Table 1. The patient ' s parameters during anaesthesia.
Parameter Heart rate Respiratory rate Temperature
Measurement 180 bpm 28 breaths / min 38.2 ° C
Diagnostic investigations
Once the patient was anaesthetised, a blood sample was collected from the jugular vein( Figure 2). The veterinary surgeon ordered diagnostic imaging; lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs were taken of the thorax and abdomen( Figure 3), and abdominal ultrasonography was carried out.
A full physical examination followed. The examination revealed mild skin tenting, along with some weight loss, as the patient weighed 2.53 kg, down from her previous weight of 2.7 kg.
Figure 3. Lateral radiograph of the kinkajou.
Nothing abnormal was detected on abdominal palpation, and only mild tartar deposits were revealed by oral examination. The mucous membranes were pink, there was no discharge at the vulva, and no swelling or abnormalities were noted.
The radiographs and ultrasonographic examination were unremarkable. The blood results showed elevated amylase( 2,012 U / l); all other blood results were within normal limits.
Kinkajous do tend to show high amylase levels on blood work, which can be indicative of pancreatitis but should never be used as the sole diagnostic test [ 5 ]. However, as this patient had previously come to the practice in 2019 and had undergone blood work at the time, baseline parameters were available for this individual, where amylase was significantly lower at 75 U / l. Therefore, it was suspected that she had pancreatitis.
Nursing care
Following the results of the blood analysis, fluid therapy was provided by giving 60 ml Hartmann ' s solution by subcutaneous injection, divided into doses of 20 ml given over several areas of the body. Metoclopramide( 0.5 mg / kg) and maropitant citrate( 1 mg / kg) were also given subcutaneously to treat the vomiting.
The patient was moved back to her transport box( Figure 4, page 37) and recovered on oxygen. After a smooth recovery from anaesthesia, she was able to be discharged shortly after the procedure, to reduce her stress levels.
Outcome
The patient was discharged with oral metoclopramide( 0.5 mg / kg) and EmerAid Intensive Care Omnivore to keep her hydrated.
Figure 2. Blood sampling from the jugular vein.
The owner was advised to monitor her weight, eating and whether she continued vomiting. The patient has since made a full recovery.
36 Veterinary Nursing Journal