Neuromuscular blockade as part of an anaesthetic protocol for cataract surgery in an alpaca

A six-month-old alpaca was presented to the veterinary teaching hospital of the
University of Liège (Belgium) with a bilateral cataract. A decision was made to perform
bilateral cataract surgery after an ocular ultrasound and electroretinogram were performed
to assess the posterior segment and retinal function, respectively. As a premedication, the
alpaca received xylazine, butorphanol and midazolam intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was
induced subsequently with ketamine and midazolam intravenously and maintained with
isoflurane on oxygen/air mixture. The alpaca was mechanically ventilated during surgery.
Neuromuscular blockade was induced and maintained with cis-atracurium intravenously.
The dose of cis-atracurium was permanently adapted using a peripheral nerve stimulator.
This case report brings new knowledge regarding the use and dosage of cis-atracurium in
alpacas.