From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-05-24 23:26:00 UTC
Subject: Re: question for vets-type of anesthesia
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., ifixrex2000@y... wrote:
> I'd appreciate input from the vets--specifically what types of
> anesthesia are ok for ferrets(gas, IV, names)? What, if any, are
the
> exceptions?
>
> Thanks in advance
I'll make this one very simple - I don't use anything other than gas
(isoflurane) on ferrets for anesthesia. Injectable anesthetics are
unpredictable in ferrets and once administered, cannot be retrieved -
you just have to ride them out, as opposed to gas anesthesia, which
you can easily adjust the level or turn off should the animal get too
deep.
Isoflurane is extremely safe in ferrets and can be used in just about
any situation. Most vets who use injectable anesthetics use them for
convenience and lack of expense, but these are not reasons to choose
an anesthetic - anesthetics should be chosen to lack of adverse
reactions, rapidity of recovery, and protection against pain - for
all of these, isoflurane leads the pack.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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