Clinical Feasibility of Hand-Guided Blind Endotracheal Intubation in Goats under General Anaesthesia

Abstract

Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility and safety of hand-guided blind endotracheal intubation as an airway management technique in goats undergoing general anaesthesia for elective surgical procedures. Study Design: Prospective clinical feasibility study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy and the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Thrissur, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, India, between 2020 to 2023. Methodology: Twelve clinically healthy goats of either sex were included in the study. Following standardised premedication and induction, general anaesthesia was maintained using balanced anaesthetic protocols, including partial intravenous anaesthesia as clinically indicated. Endotracheal intubation was performed using a digital palpation–guided blind technique without the use of a laryngoscope. All intubations were carried out by a single experienced operator. Correct placement of cuffed endotracheal tubes was confirmed by assessment of airflow, observation of thoracic excursions, and capnographic detection of end-tidal carbon dioxide. Intubation success, airway security, and peri-intubation complications were recorded. Results: Hand-guided blind endotracheal intubation was successfully achieved in all animals (12/12), resulting in a 100% success rate. No major airway-related complications were observed. Minor, self-limiting events such as transient resistance at the laryngeal inlet or brief oesophageal intubation occurred in a limited number of cases and were corrected promptly without adverse consequences. No incidences of aspiration, significant airway trauma, or clinically relevant physiological instability were recorded. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that hand-guided blind endotracheal intubation is a reliable, safe, and clinically feasible technique for airway management in goats under general anaesthesia. Owing to its minimal equipment requirements and reliance on tactile anatomical landmarks, this technique represents a practical alternative to laryngoscope-assisted intubation, particularly in field, teaching, and resource-limited veterinary settings.