Some cardiopulmonary effects of sevoflurane in crested caracara (Caracara plancus)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cardiorespiratory changes induced by sevoflurane (SEV) anesthesia in the crested caracara (Caracara plancus). Study designProspective experimental trial. AnimalsEight crested caracaras (Caracara plancus) weighing 1.0 (0.9–1.1) kg were used for the study. MethodsThe birds were anesthetized by face mask with isoflurane for brachial artery catheterization. After recovery, anesthesia was re-induced with 6% SEV via face mask. After induction, a noncuffed endotracheal tube was placed and anesthesia was maintained with SEV (3.5% end-tidal) in oxygen (1 L minute−1) using an Ayre's T-piece nonrebreathing circuit, with spontaneous ventilation. Electrocardiography (ECG), direct systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP, and MAP), respiratory rate (fR), end-tidal carbon dioxide (Pe′CO2), and cloacal temperature (T°C) were measured before induction (baseline – under physical restraint) and after 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 minutes of SEV anesthesia. Arterial blood samples were collected for gas analysis at baseline and then at 10, 25 and 40 minutes. ResultsNo ventricular arrhythmias were observed in the present study. Respiratory rate, SAP, DAP, MAP, T°C and pH decreased from pre-induction values, while arterial partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, bicarbonate concentration, and Pe′CO2 were significantly higher than baseline. None of the birds were apneic.Conclusion and clinical relevance Sevoflurane anesthesia is suitable for use in healthy members of this species, despite the moderate cardiovascular and respiratory depression produced.