L12d: anesthesia in pigs

what gene causes porcine stress syndrome?

ryanodine receptor gene

explain what happens in the body with porcine stress syndrome?

uncontrolled Ca2+ release → muscle rigidity and myoglobinuria → hypercapnia → metabolic acidosis → sudden cardiac arrest

what are challenges for airway management in pigs?

1. limited mouth opening

2. large tongue

3. fat neck

4. abdominal fat and diaphragm elevation

5. brachycephalic configuration

what do we have to worry about if we have inhalant anesthesia in pigs?

malignant hyperthermia

what is the preferred injection site for drug administration in pigs?

lateral cervical muscle

where do we want to avoid injections when administering drugs in pigs?

1. gluteal muscle (higher risk of abscess)

2. quadricepts

how do we administer the needle for drug administration in pigs?

perpendicular to the skin

MCQ: what is the correct order of species from longest to shorted recommended fasting period before general anesthesia?

cattle → llama → horse → pig

how long do we fast pigs before general anesthesia?

2-4 hours

how long do we fast pigs for stomach or small intestine surgeries?

6-12 hours

what are common sedatives used in pigs?

1. acepromazine

2. alpha-2

3. benzodiazepines with ketamine

4. opioids

5. azaperone

what is the meat withdrawal time for acepromazine in pigs?

7 days

which benzodiazepines can be administered intra nasal in piglets for sedation?

diazepam and midazolam

what sedative requires a higher dose in pigs compared to other species?

alpha-2 agonists

what is the most used route for venous access in pigs?

auricular vein

what other veins besides the auricular vein can be used for venous access?

1. cephalic vein

2. saphenous vein

what is the preferred induction method of general anesthesia in pigs?

IV induction

what method of induction of general anesthesia should be avoided unless there is no other option?

inhalation induction

how long should we preoxygenate before induction in pigs?

about 5 min

what should we not do when intubating a pig?

never push against pharyngeal diverticulum or you will perforate larynx

what structure of the lungs should we not bypass when intubating a pig?

right cranial lobe

where should the ET tube be placed above for intubation?

above tracheal bifurcation

what position should pigs be put in when intubating?

sternal recumbency

what is the MAC for isoflurane in pigs?

1.5

what is the MAC for sevoflurane in pigs?

2.5

what is the normal rectal temperature for adult pigs?

101-103 F

what is the normal rectal temperature for young pigs?

102-104 F

why are pigs at risk of hypothermia?

1. sparse hair coat

2. thick SC fat does not prevent anesthesia heat redistribution

3. azaperone → vasodilation

what is an intra-anesthesia emergency in pigs?

malignant hyperthermia

what gene is responsible for malignant hyperthermia?

RYR1 mutation

what do we need to rule out first before saying the pig has malignant hyperthermia?

1. hypoventilation

2. exhausted CO2 absorbent

3. active warming

what is the immediate treatment for malignant hyperthermia?

1. stop inhalant anesthesia immediately

2. give dantrolene