Brachial plexus blockage in howler monkey for orthopedic procedure in digits and phalanx

Abstract

The monkey of the species Alouatta ululata, known as Guariba-da-caatinga or Maranhão Red-handed Howler Monkey, is a species of howler monkey endemic to Brazil, found in the states of Maranhão, Piauí, and Ceará. This study aimed to report the efficacy of a multimodal anesthetic protocol, associated with loco-regional brachial blockade of the brachial plexus, administered to a male howler monkey (Alouatta alulata), approximately 1 year old, weighing 1.1kg, for the performance of a double digit amputation procedure and osteosynthesis in the phalanx of the index finger. Tramadol (4mg/kg), ketamine (7mg/kg), and midazolam
(0.2mg/kg) were used as preanesthetic medication, intramuscularly; co-induction was performed with intravenous ketamine (1mg/kg) and fentanyl (3µg/kg); induction with intravenous propofol (4mg/kg) and maintenance with inhalation anesthesia, using isoflurane. In the locoregional blockade, by axillary perivascular approach to the brachial plexus, bupivacaine (3mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (0.1mg/kg) were used as adjuvants. Since the physiological parameters remained stable during the procedure and there was no agitation or vocalization in the postoperative period, it can be concluded that the use of the anesthetic protocol proposed in this report proved to be effective in achieving analgesia, muscle relaxation, patient comfort and calm anesthetic
recovery in this animal, for this type of procedure.