Small Mammal Anaesthesia

Small mammal anaesthesia

The aim of a general anaesthetic is to provide adequate restraint to allow examination, minor or surgical procedures, to obtain muscle relaxation, amnesia and appropriate pain relief (1). A recent study reported an overall perianaesthetic mortality rate of healthy pet rabbits and guinea pigs of 1.39% and 3.8% respectively (2). These values are 5 to 10 times higher than those found in dogs and cats but represent an improvement compared to data reported in 1990 where the mortality rate was 1 in 28 rabbits (3). Anaesthetising small patients can be challenging but the risks can be minimized and mortality decreased, increasing the chances of a positive outcome. Furthermore, recent advances in techniques and equipment and availability of new and safer drugs have allowed veterinarians to apply high standards to these species as well. However, a few considerations have to be made and taken into consideration when anaesthetizing small mammals such as rabbits and rodents. Rabbits and rodents are prey species and they are therefore masters at masking signs of disease. They are often presented in advanced stage of illness. Carefull pre-anaesthetic evaluation is essential, including detailed history, complete physical examination and minimum laboratory database (e.g. packed cell volume (PCV), total protein (TP), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, blood glucose) to provide useful information on the health status of the patient (1). […]