Anaesthetic management in adult fallow deer undergoing orthopaedic surgery

Bambi, an adult female captive fallow deer (Dama dama), was presented to Beirut Pet Hospital in March 2021 for left metacarpal fracture. Bambi appeared to be exceptionally tolerant to physical restraint, so examination and preparation were performed carefully in a quiet room to avoid stress-induced hyperthermia. Bambi was injected with butorphanol-medetomidine combination intravenously, followed by induction with diazepam and ketamine. Surgical anaesthesia and analgesia were maintained under isoflurane and a continuous rate infusion of fentanyl. Fracture reduction was employed followed by internal fixation, and the anaesthetic protocol was effective at maintaining deep anaesthesia and controlling pain allowing a good recovery. Limited data are found in the literature describing deer species undergoing orthopaedic surgeries under general anaesthesia. This case report represents an effective anaesthetic protocol that could be considered in cervids admitted to the veterinary clinics for orthopaedic surgeries.