Anaesthetic management in adult reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) undergoing exploratory laparotomy for jejuno‐jejunal intussusception surgery resection

Abstract

A 2‐year‐old, male reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) presented for further investigations and treatment of acute colic signs. On clinical investigations, an ultrasonographic abdominal exam revealed multiple hypomotile, dilated and fluid‐filled small intestinal loops. Based on clinical findings and increased signs of abdominal pain, small intestine obstruction was suspected, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed. The animal was premedicated with medetomidine (0.003 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg) intravenously. General anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (2 mg/kg intravenously) and propofol (3 mg/kg intravenously), and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Additional analgesia was provided with methadone (0.1 mg/kg intravenously) and ketamine (0.5 mg/kg intravenously). A jejuno‐jejunal intussusception requiring resection of approximately 6 inches (15 cm) was identified and jejuno‐jejuno anastomosis was performed. Fluid resuscitation was administered for treatment of hypotension during general anaesthesia. Recovery from anaesthesia was uneventful. Nevertheless, the deer was euthanased 5 days later due to clinical deterioration.