Minah Figure 4. Endoscopic removal of bladder foreign body using standing butorphanol sedation in a Sumatran rhino.

Endoscopic removal of bladder foreign body:

On Wednesday September 5, 2001 we sedated Minah with Butorphanol (Radcliffe et. al., 2000; see Appendix C for anesthesia report) and performed an endoscopic exam of Minah’s bladder and removed the progesterone implant that had been identified on ultrasound. The anesthesia was excellent for standing sedation in a Sumatran rhinoceros. The endoscopic procedure proved extremely difficult with multiple attempts made to facilitate removal via endoscopic visualization and retrieval of the implant with various surgical graspers. Finally, the implant was successfully removed via digital manipulation and retrieval with the surgeon’s gloved hand as has been reported in the mare for removal of large uroliths (bladder stones).

The progesterone implant is designed for intravaginal use and is not to be left in the vagina for more than the recommended 7-10 days per label directions. The implant had been in Minah’s bladder for approximately 1.5 years (Figure 6). The implant is impregnated with 1.9 g progesterone in an inert silicone elastomer; it is likely that the implant could continue a slow release of progesterone for several years. Therefore, all of Minah’s clinical signs could be attributed to the long-term negative effects of the implant within this female’s bladder. more »