General Anaesthesia in Camels: A Short Review

General anaesthesia is widely used as a method of chemical restraint for various diagnostic procedures as well as for both major and minor surgical interventions. In camelid practice, general anaesthesia may be required for several clinical procedures, including exploratory laparotomy in colicky calves (crias), castration of adult llamas, and surgical exploration of fistulous tracts. However, anaesthetic management of camelids can present challenges because of their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics, stress responses, and airway management considerations. Similar to other domestic species, general anaesthesia in both New World camelids (llamas and alpacas) and Old World camelids (camels) may be induced and maintained using injectable anaesthetic agents, inhalational anaesthetics, or a combination of both. Several drugs including xylazine, guaifenesin, ketamine, thiopental, halothane, and isoflurane have been widely used for sedation and general anaesthesia in camelids. Recent studies have further evaluated the physiological responses and clinical outcomes associated with various anaesthetic protocols, including total intravenous anaesthesia and multimodal analgesia in camelids undergoing surgical procedures. Several classes of drugs are used as premedicants in camelids, including α₂-adrenergic agonists, opioids, tranquilizers, and anticholinergic agents. Other α₂-adrenergic agonists such as romifidine, medetomidine, and dexmedetomidine have also been investigated for sedation and premedication in camelids. Butorphanol, a mixed agonist–antagonist opioid, is commonly used in camelids as analgesics and are frequently combined with α₂-agonists to enhance analgesia and improve sedation. Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) represents a practical and effective alternative to inhalational anaesthesia. Intravenous anaesthetic protocols are commonly used for short to moderate duration procedures such as castration, wound management, orthopedic interventions, and exploratory surgery. Appropriate drug selection, dosage, and monitoring are essential to minimise complications and ensure safe anaesthetic management in camels.