Field Anesthetic Techniques for Camelids

Abstract

Administration of anesthetic agents to camelids is a source of anxiety for many veterinarians and owners. Llama and alpaca physiology is not a mainstream topic in most veterinary schools and, therefore, veterinarians do not feel comfortable in the administration of drugs routinely used in other livestock species. Although specific drug dosages differ between camelids and other livestock and even among llamas and alpacas, all other aspects of the "warm-blooded mammal" apply. The minimum data base before using an anesthetic is rectal temperature, heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate and character, and general demeanor of the patient. If general anesthesia is planned, packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein (TP) should be determined. If the patient is geriatric (older than 10 years for llamas and alpacas), then more exhaustive diagnostic tests may be warranted (e.g. serum biochemistry). An accurate body weight will increase the safety of the procedure, but an estimation of body weight may be obtained by evaluating the body condition score.