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THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE (AEC)
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FORM
(For Domestic Fowl, Native Fauna/Wildlife, Domestic Livestock & Laboratory Animals)
Title of Procedure:
Laparoscopy (Sheep and Goats) (L8)
Objective:
To visualise and manipulate the female reproductive organs, and diagnose
pregnancy, in situ.

Details of Procedures:

THIS PROCEDURE MUST NOT BE PERFORMED IN A DUSTY ENVIRONMENT

All animals are premedicated with a broad spectrum antibiotic 24-48 hours
before surgery and fasted (including water) overnight immediately preceding
laparoscopy.
Each animal is sedated (using Xylazine hydrochloride) then restrained head
down, in a laparotomy cradle and the belly wool cranial to the udder is clipped
close to the skin.
The clipped area is prepared aseptically (washed with hibitane or iodine-based
detergent solution and swabbed with alcoholic iodine).
2 sites, one on each side of the cranial aspect of each inguinal area (approx.
4cm from the midline and 6cm from the anterior margin of the udder), are
infiltrated (subcutaneous and intramuscular) with 1-2ml of 2% plain lignocaine.
After 5-10 minutes a puncture wound is made at each site, into the abdominal
cavity, using a sterile trochar and cannula (5-7mm). An
endoscope/laparoscope is then inserted through the cannula and the
abdominal cavity inflated. The uterus can then be viewed and manipulated
using a blunt-ended probe, if necessary, so that the ovaries can be viewed.
On completion of the inspection (30-60 seconds) the cannulae are withdrawn
and a topical antibiotic spray applied before the animal is released. A single
surgical suture or Michelle clip can be placed in the abdominal muscle and skin
immediately following cannula removal, but is usually only required if a cannula
of more than 7mm is used. Any obvious bleeding should be arrested before the
end of surgery and the placement of sutures or Michelle clips.
Drug, Chemicals or Biological Agents:

 Xylazine Hydrochloride for sedation. The dose rate should be 5mg for a 30kg sheep up to 12.5mg for an 80kg sheep. This gives good sedation with a wide safety margin.  Broad-spectrum antibiotic (e.g. penicillin/streptomycin or tetracycline’s)  2% Lignocaine solution Care of Animals after the Procedure:
Antibiotic cover should be continued for one week. Animals should be
checked 12 hourly for the 24 hours immediately following surgery. They should
not be held in dusty or muddy yards. If returning to paddocks animals should
be walked slowly and quietly. Puncture sites should be checked weekly for 2
weeks following surgery, to ensure infection or fly strike do not occur.
Qualifications, Experience, Skil s or Training Necessary to Perform this
Procedure:
All operators should be familiar with the behaviour and handling methods of
the animal species they are using. In addition, operators should be familiar with
anaesthetic and surgical techniques involved with laparoscopy.
Effects of Procedure on Wellbeing of Animals:
Should be Nil, procedure is well tolerated.
Pain Relief Measures:
Sedation and local anaesthesia for the surgical procedure.
References:
 Balin, H., Wan, L.S. and Israel, S.L. (1996) Obstetrics and Gynaecology,  Grant, C & Upton, R.N. (2004) “Comparison of analgesis effects of Xylazine in sheep via three different administration routes”. Aust Vet J 82:304-307  Harrison, R.M and Wilot, D.E. (1980) Animal Laparoscopy. Williams and  Lamond, D.R. and Urquhart, E.J. (1961) Sheep laparotomy cradle. Australian Veterinary Journal 37,430.
Prepared by: Ruth Tremont (UNE Director of Animal Welfare), Dr G Hinch (Dept
of Animal Science, UNE), 1993 and with reference to the CSIRO Div. of Animal
Production & Div. of Animal Health, Armidale NSW Compendium of Approved
Procedures, 1992
Reviewed by: A/Prof Jim McFARLANE (Science and Technology), 2006

Source: http://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/14239/L820-20Laparoscoy20Sheep20and20Goats.pdf