Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Tiberiu Sebastian IANCU, Ruxandra PAVEL, Lucian IONIŢĂ
The aim of this study was to identify the important preanesthetic factors that could improve anesthesia management in research sheep, focusing on reducing critical complications like regurgitation and aspiration of ruminal contents during general anesthesia, which can lead to serious respiratory risks and potential fatality. Our study was conducted on a group of 13 sheep (Ovis aries), 2-4 years old, selected for different surgical procedures, during September 2022- June 2024 at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest. For the entire group the protocol involved a 24-hour fasting period, allowing water access until the premedication stage to ensure hydration. A comprehensive clinical evaluation was performed to identify any underlying health issues, and sedatives, along with prokinetic agents, were administered to reduce stress and encourage gastric emptying. Continuous monitoring of vital signs and behavior ensures the stability of the animals during surgical procedures. By following the comprehensive 7-step preanesthetic guidelines, the risk of regurgitation and aspiration, along with other risks can be significantly reduced, thereby improving sheep welfare and safety during general anesthesia.
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