Hippopotamidae.

Abstract

This chapter describes both historical and newly developed techniques for captive and free ranging common and pygmy hippo anesthesia. It provides taxonomy, physiology and anatomy related information of the hippopotamus. The pigmented epidermis and thick dermal connective tissue surrounding peripheral blood vessels make visu¬alization difficult. Intravenous catheterization is typically reserved for critically ill or young animals. Auscultation and palpation of pulses are difficult due to size in most adult hippos. It is critical to visually monitor respiratory cycles over several minutes and assess trends since apnea, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia are common complications. The chapter discusses specific use of anesthetic monitoring equipment such as pulse oximetry, capnography, and temperature monitoring devices for the hippos. Most hippos are darted with immobilization drugs. Less commonly used options are pole syringe, hand injection, or oral administration. New advances in hippo restraint and immobilization, and anesthetic combination dosages for captive hippos are also discussed.