Comparison of isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane as inhalant anesthetics in prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis)

• DOI: 10.2460/javma.257.9.945
• Publication Date: 2020-10-16T19:19:50Z
• Authors: Lauren P. Kane; Sathya K. Chinnad...; Kathryn Vivirito; Danielle Strahl-H...; Matthew C. Allender
• Keywords: Desflurane; Righting reflex; Intoxicative inhalant

To characterize induction and recovery characteristics of 3 commonly used inhalant anesthetics in prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis): isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane.12 healthy adult rattlesnakes.In a randomized crossover design, snakes underwent anesthetic with 5% 8% or 18% desflurane, washout period ≥ 7 days between events. Anesthetic depth parameters were recorded throughout recovery, including time to loss return righting reflex, muscle tone, ability intubate, response pressure, spontaneous respiration. Every 5 minutes the procedures, heart rate, respiratory percentage expired gas recorded.No died during study. Sevoflurane anesthesia resulted avoidance behavior had significantly longest extubation pressure response, compared other anesthetics. Anesthesia isoflurane longer sevoflurane desflurane. No significant difference was noted among gases. Desflurane quickest reflex protocols; despite this, 4 12 desflurane anesthetized did not achieve an plane deep enough for intubation.Isoflurane but inhalation consistent predictable allow intubation snakes.