Comparison of anesthesia of adult giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis) using medetomidine-ketamine with and without a potent opioid
Two anesthetic protocols in adult giraffe were compared by retrospective study. Thirteen anesthesia records for medetomidine-ketamine (MK) and seven for medetomidine-ketamine with a potent opioid (MKO) were evaluated for differences in demographic, behavioral, drug, and respiratory parameters. Giraffe stood significantly more quickly with MKO vs MK though MK animals were physically restrained to preclude premature […]
Multiple anesthetic events in a reticulated giraffe (giraffa camelopardalis)
A 1-mo-old reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) received repeated immobilizations for treatment of a fractured left metatarsus. Etorphine and xylazine or etorphine and iso-flurane adjunct anesthesia were used for immobilization. During immobilizations, pulse oximetry and end tidal CO₂ measurement were made and correlated with arterial blood gas values. Results of observations made during sequential immobilizations suggest […]
Use of Thiafentanil (A3080), Medetomidine, and Ketamine for anesthesia of captive and free-ranging giraffe (giraffa Camelopardalis)
Giraffe anesthesia remains a major challenge due to their unique anatomy and physiology, which predisposes them to life-threatening, anesthesia-related complications. Historical verbal and published reports describe the use of several drugs and drug combinations for giraffe anesthesia. The most widely used anesthetic regimens have involved use of opioids alone or in combination with sedatives (e.g., […]
Dystocia in a Rothschild Giraffe at the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, Nairobi, Kenya
A 15-year old female Rothschild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) weighing approximately 800kg, at the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), Giraffe Center, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya was presented with dystocia in June 2010. This giraffe named Laura, had a protracted labor and was regularly monitored by sanctuary education staff. Dystocia was relieved on the 3rd day […]
Dystocia in a Rothschild Giraffe Leading to a Caesarean Section
A 9-year-old female Rothschild giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), weighing approximately 900 kg, at Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire, UK was presented with dystocia in September 2005. This paper details the surgical and anaesthetic procedures carried out performing a caesarean section to remove a dead male calf and the successful recovery of the giraffe.
Surgical castration of subadult giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Surgical castration of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) has not been commonly performed. Large domestic animal castration has a significant complication rate that includes postoperative mortality. Documentation of castration techniques and complications in large domestic animals occurs regularly. However, literature describing castration experiences with large zoo mammals is spares. In addition, a suitable anesthetic regimen for surgical […]
Jugular venous pooling during lowering of the head affects blood pressure of anesthetized giraffe
How blood flow and pressure to the giraffe’s brain are regulated when drinking remains debated. We measured simultaneous blood flow, pressure, and cross-sectional area in the carotid artery and jugular vein of five anesthetized and spontaneously breathing giraffes. The giraffes were suspended in the upright position so that we could lower the head. In the […]
The art and science of giraffe (Giraffa camilopardalis) immobilization/anesthesia
The anesthesia/immobilization of giraffe is a unique specialty due to a combination of problems usually encountered in the procedure resulting in mortality or morbidity to the patient. This paper presents a historical description of the early drugs and methods and documents of the advances made in giraffe anesthesia during the last three decades. Also included […]
What you see is not what you get: Accuracy of noninvasive anesthetic monitoring in the anesthetized giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
An abstract on the study that evaluated the accuracy of pulse oximetry, capnography, and oscillometric blood pressure during general anesthesia in giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis). Conference proceedings.
Giraffe cardiovascular physiology: Implications for anethesia
An abstract for a talk given on giraffe cardiovascular physiology through utilizing both anesthatized giraffes and freshly dead giraffes.