Shaun Beverley, [31 Aug 2023 at 16:15:55]: Howzit all, I need advice on anaesthetic protocol and surgical technique for the castration of alpacas. Erik Verrynne, [31 Aug 2023 at 16:42:58]: Before you start with an anaesthetic protocol, you need to get yourself some diving goggles, a mask and a wide rim hat, Shaun. They spit like hell, especially if they find out you want to castrate them. 😂 Gernot Redeker, [31 Aug 2023 at 19:05:18]: I Just use lignocaine locally. I have done lots. I started with general anaesthetic etc., but recently I just hold them, inject lignocaine locally and then do the procedure similar to that of a dog. Elmien Kotze, [31 Aug 2023 at 19:55:39]: You can give xylazine or ACP if they are real kickers and spitters Inject local anaesthetic into testicle and just under skin. I used to use a 3-clamps system and tear off the bundle – you can tie off this bundle with catgut if still haemorrhaging. Some of them have a fat pad that might protrude from the wound, which may mean that you have to suture the skin, but I used to leave it as an open wound. Give Duplocillin and metacam, and tetanus vaccine if they had not had vaccinations before. I still do it standing with a low dose of xylazine im. Also, do the castration after they have matured – I think older than 17 months, otherwise they become very tall, with thin bones and look mangy. Shaun Beverley, [31 Aug 2023 at 21:00:36]: Thank you
