Evaluation of righting reflex in cane toads (Bufo marinus) after topical application of sevoflurane jelly

Abstract

To evaluate the righting reflex after topical application of a sevoflurane jelly in cane toads (Bufo marinus). 8 cane toads. Toads were 6 to 8 months of age and weighed (mean ± SD) 142.0 ± 25.2 g. Sevoflurane jelly was applied to the dorsum of each toad at a dose of 25 μL/g in trial 1 and 37.5 μL/g in trial 2. Toads were placed in dorsal recumbency every 30 seconds until loss of the righting reflex. Jelly was then removed by rinsing the toads with tap water. Toads were then left undisturbed in dorsal recumbency until return of the righting reflex. Chamber sevoflurane concentration was measured to determine vaporization. 6 of 8 toads in trial 1 and 8 of 8 toads in trial 2 lost the righting reflex. Mean ± SD time to loss of the reflex was 8.2 ± 1.3 minutes for trial 1 and 8.3 ± 0.9 minutes for trial 2; this difference was not significant. Mean ± SD time to return of the reflex was 25.6 ± 26.2 minutes for trial 1 and 84.4 ± 47.2 minutes for trial 2; this difference was significant. Chamber sevoflurane concentration did not change significantly, compared with baseline (time 0) concentration, at any time in trial 1; however, there was a significant change in chamber sevoflurane concentration from baseline (time 0) concentration in trial 2. Chamber sevoflurane concentrations were not significantly different between trial 1 and trial 2 at any time. Mean ± SD chamber sevoflurane concentration was 0.46 ± 0.2% for trial 1 and 0.57 ± 0.28% for trial 2. Sevoflurane jelly applied topically at a dose of 37.5 μL/g induced a more reliable loss of righting reflex and longer recovery time than when applied at a dose of 25 μL/g in cane toads.