Evaluation of Halothane as an Anaesthetic in Camels

Abstract

Summary Halothane as an anaesthetic was evaluated in 12 adult camels, thiopentone being used as an induction agent. In six camels, clinical signs and haematological and blood biochemical changes were investigated while in other six haemodynamic, acid base and blood gas changes were monitored. The dose of thiopentone required to ensure intubation for halothane anaesthesia was 7.25 ± 0.33 mg/kg. A modified technique of tracheal intubation was found to be safe and quick. During halothane administration all anaesthetic effects were predictable. Complete recovery occurred in 39.5 ± 9.8 min after discontinuation of halothane administration. Halothane moderated the thiopentone‐induced tachycardia. The mean arterial pressure decreased significantly. There was an increase in the arterial carbon dioxide and venous oxygen tension during halothane anaesthesia and development of hypoxaemia after its discontinuation. The alanine aminotransferase values increased during recovery, while plasma sodium, potassium and calcium decreased. Halothane appears to be safe for camels. However, to avoid hypoxaemia in the immediate post‐anaesthetic period, oxygen administration should be continued.

Evaluation of halothane anaesthesia after xylazine/ketamine administration in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

“…Endotracheal intubation has been cited as being difficult in camels because of the narrow oral space (White et al, 1987), the spatula-shaped tongue with a well-developed dorsum, the wide epiglottis that overlapping the soft palate, and the presence of the palatine diverticulum (Singh et al, 1994). However, muscle relaxation and analgesia resulting from the xylazine and ketamine administration was helpful in the intubation of the camels in the present study.…”

“…In another study, heart and respiratory rates have been reported to remain above the base values during halothane anaesthesia in camels with respiration being shallow and rapid (White et al, 1986;Singh et al, 1994). This increase in the heart rate might be attributed to the marked tachycardia caused by the induction with (Singh et al, 1994). A significant increase in respiratory rate during halothane anaesthesia has been also recorded in water buffaloes (Malik et al, 2011).…”

“…Although within the base values, nonsignificant increase in the heart and respiratory rates were recorded in the camels of study if compared to xylazine/ ketamine values. In another study, heart and respiratory rates have been reported to remain above the base values during halothane anaesthesia in camels with respiration being shallow and rapid (White et al, 1986;Singh et al, 1994). This increase in the heart rate might be attributed to the marked tachycardia caused by the induction with (Singh et al, 1994).…”

“…The endotracheal tube was then introduced by the help of an assistant; therefore, in the present study, a stylette was not needed to help intubate the camels. In another study (Singh et al, 1994), a moderately stiff polyethylene cord of 15 mm diameter was introduced into the trachea to facilitate intubation in camels.…”

“…There are reports on the use of halothane anaesthesia in large ruminants like cattle (Steffey and Holand, 1979;Riazuddin et al, 2004) and buffaloes (Malik et al, 2011) and sheep (Lin et al, 1997). Although halothane has been reported as an inhalation anaesthetic agent in camels (White et al, 1986;Singh et al, 1994), it has not been fully investigated in such species. Considering the importance of this species and the scarcity of information, this study was designed to evaluate halothane anaesthesia after premedication with xylazine and induction with ketamine.…”