ANESTHESIA IN POTBELLIED PIGS

This article discusses pertinent information regarding general anesthe sia in potbellied pigs. Because of the increasing popularity of these animals as house pets, potbellied pigs are being presented for surgica l procedures, such as ovariohysterectomy, castration, and laceration r epair, all of which necessitate use of anesthesia. Presurgical conside rations; preanesthetic medications; and general anesthesia considerati ons, such as induction, tracheal intubation, maintenance, support and monitoring, and recovery, are discussed. Potbellied pigs can safely be anesthetized using the same drugs and techniques used to anesthetize research or domesticated farm pigs, and inhalation equipment used for dogs and cats may be used to deliver inhalant anesthetics to pigs weig hing up to 140 kg. Preanesthetic tranquilization or sedation, as is co mmonly done in dogs and cats, is difficult to achieve in pigs. Comprom ised ventilation, including hyperventilation and apnea, may occur duri ng anesthesia. Malignant hyperthermia syndrome is a possible complicat ion associated with anesthesia in pigs, although occurrence is rare. T he unique differences in porcine anatomy that must be taken into accou nt for the anesthetic process are reviewed. Suggested drugs (preanesth etic, induction, and maintenance agents) and biochemistry values are l isted in the tables.