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Kansas City Zoo photo gallery: Zuri's immobilization
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Anesthetic mask
Dr. Kirk Suedmeyer demonstrates the anesthetic mask to be used for Zuri, the lion. An immobilization is the process of anesthetizing an animal at the zoo for treatment or preventive care, as in Zuri's case.
Equipment transportation
A large tackle box serves as a container for storing and transporting the equipment used for immobilizing patients.
Anesthesia delivery
Charging the dart that will deliver Zuri's initial anesthetic medications intramuscularly.
Pressurized dart
A close up look at the pressurized dart that will deliver the anesthetic drugs intramuscularly to Zuri.
Blowpipe
Dr. Suedmeyer holds the blowpipe and prepares to dart Zuri.
Watching Zuri
Dr. Meredith Wainstein and senior technician Andrea Lowery wait for the initial anesthetic drugs to take effect. They keep time and medical records and observe for any problems. Dr. Suedmeyer leaves Zuri's line of sight so that his presence will not continue to agitate her and the drugs can take effect more smoothly.
Zuri's enclosure
Zuri’s enclosure, waiting for the initial anesthetic drugs to take effect.
Oxygen for Zuri
Once Zuri has completely responded to the initial anesthetic drugs contained in the dart, she receives oxygen by mask and is taken back to the hospital in the transport van. Here, Dr. Suedmeyer is palpating Zuri’s trachea in anticipation of placing an endotracheal tube.
Placing the endotracheal tube
Dr. Wainstein placing the endotracheal tube. She uses a stylet and laryngoscope with a very long blade.
Placing a larger tube
After checking the cuff of the endotracheal tube, the team determines that a larger tube is needed. Dr. Wainstein replaces it and does not use a laryngoscope the second time.
Plane of anesthesia
The second endotracheal tube is securely in place and Zuri reaches a level plane of anesthesia for her procedures.
Transport van
The transport van, ready to take Zuri back to her enclosure.
Back to the enclosure
Zuri being returned to the van.
The process of waking up
Returning Zuri to her enclosure. She is returning to consciousness smoothly, just as anticipated.
Last one to leave
After removing the endotracheal tube, Dr. Suedmeyer positions Zuri for maximum comfort and safety.
Recovery
Zuri will spend the afternoon recovering from her morning spent with her Animal Health Team.
The complete package
Back to the "Day in the life of a zoo veterinarian" home page
Three-part blog about the zoo encounter
Immobilization and exam for Zuri the lion
Video: An ounce of prevention - examining a lion
Photo galleries of Zuri and her caretakers:
> Meet Zuri, a 5-year-old lioness
> Procedures performed on Zuri
> Dr. Meredith Wainstein's first patient as a resident
A typical day for two zoo veterinarians
Video: A typical day at the zoo hospital
Photo gallery: Tour the zoo hospital
Video: Gorillas and goats - all in a day's work
Practicing high-quality medicine
Video: Preventive medicine at the zoo
Video: Technical innovations benefit zoo animals
Challenges at the zoo
Video: The challenges of practicing veterinary medicine in a zoo
Video: The most difficult animal
All animals treated equally
Communication strategies
Video: Easy team communication - take a cue from this zoo tech
Video: Communication and zookeepers as clients
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