Anestheisa - Exotic small mammal and avian anesthesia

What is the recommended fasting time for most pet birds prior to anesthesia?

a) 8–10 hours

b) 12 hours

c) 2–4 hours

d) 4–6 hours

a) 8–10 hours

b) 12 hours

c) 2–4 hours (birds do not need to be fasted as long. They have a fast metabolism and too long fasting period can cause hypoglycemia.

d) 4–6 hours

Which vein is commonly used for IV catheter placement in pet birds?

a) Cephalic vein

b) Right jugular vein

c) Femoral vein

d) Caudal vena cava

a) Cephalic vein

b) Right jugular vein (also the basilic (wing) vein, and medial metatarsal vein).

c) Femoral vein

d) Caudal vena cava

Which anesthetic agent is considered safest for mask induction in birds?

a) Ketamine

b) Isoflurane

c) Propofol

d) Alfaxalone

a) Ketamine

b) Isoflurane

c) Propofol

d) Alfaxalone

What is the typical EtCO₂ range for most birds under anesthesia?

a) 10–20 mm Hg
b) 25–30 mm Hg
c) 30–45 mm Hg
d) 50–60 mm Hg

a) 10–20 mm Hg
b) 25–30 mm Hg
c) 30–45 mm Hg
d) 50–60 mm Hg

Which pain medication is a kappa agonist and mu antagonist commonly used in birds?

a) Morphine

b) Butorphanol

c) Tramadol

d) Meloxicam

a) Morphine

b) Butorphanol

c) Tramadol

d) Meloxicam

What is a common sign of pain in rabbits?

a) Increased vocalization
b) Vomiting
c) Change in grooming behavior
d) Tail flicking

a) Increased vocalization
b) Vomiting
c) Change in grooming behavior (They are prey animals and avoid showing signs of pain)
d) Tail flicking

Which drug may be used to speed up GI motility in rabbits receiving opioids?

a) Buprenorphine
b) Cisapride
c) Midazolam
d) Ketamine

a) Buprenorphine
b) Cisapride (Can also use metoclopramide)
c) Midazolam
d) Ketamine

Ferrets should be fasted for no longer than?
    a) 1 hour
    b) 2–3 hours
    c) 3–4 hours
    d) 6–8 hours

    a) 1 hour
    b) 2–3 hours
    c) 3–4 hours (high metabolic rate)
    d) 6–8 hours

What size endotracheal tube is typically used for ferrets?

a) 1.0–1.5 mm
b) 2.0–2.5 mm
c) 2.5–4.0 mm
d) 4.5–5.0 mm

a) 1.0–1.5 mm
b) 2.0–2.5 mm
c) 2.5–4.0 mm
d) 4.5–5.0 mm

Which species is the most difficult to intubate among rodents?
    a) Rat
    b) Mouse
    c) Guinea pig
    d) Chinchilla

a) Rat
b) Mouse
c) Guinea pig
d) Chinchilla

Why is it important to weigh birds in grams before anesthesia?

Because precise dosing is critical. Birds are very small, and even tiny errors in drug calculations can lead to overdose or underdose. They also have high metabolic rates: Birds have rapid metabolism, so accurate weight ensures proper anesthetic depth and safety. Equipment and fluid calculations: Many anesthetic machines, ventilators, and fluid therapy formulas for birds are based on weight in grams for accuracy.

List two ways to prevent hypothermia during bird anesthesia.

Using warmed surgical scrub when cleaning site to prevent heat loss, and preventing heat loss with radiant heat from above or forced air blankets

What is the purpose of using a warmed surgical scrub on birds?

To prevent heat loss

What is the function of the crop in birds?

Outpouching of esophagus used to store food

Why should rabbits not be fasted before anesthesia?

Fasting strongly discouraged

Rabbits do not vomit

Must always have food in stomach, cecum, and intestines to prevent hypoglycemia, dehydration, and ileus

Remove food after premedications are given

Describe two complications associated with IV catheterization in rabbits.

Patient discomfort and sloughing of ear from medication leakage

Name two signs of pain in rodents after surgery.

Abdominal pain causes rodents to walk with arched back and tail raised

Porphyrin staining around eyes when severely stressed or in pain

Often over-groom painful part of body

Why is preoxygenation recommended for rodents prior to induction?

Why is preoxygenation recommended for rodents prior to induction?

Very small functional residual lung capacity (FRC): Their lungs hold less air, so they desaturate quickly during anesthesia.

High metabolic rate and oxygen demand: Rapid oxygen consumption increases the risk of hypoxemia during induction.

Safety buffer: Preoxygenation increases oxygen reserves, giving more time to safely intubate or induce anesthesia without the animal becoming hypoxic.

What makes endotracheal intubation difficult in rabbits?

Small and narrow oral cavity: Makes visualization of the larynx challenging.

Large, fleshy tongue: Obstructs the airway and limits access.

Long, narrow oropharynx and larynx: Hard to maneuver the tube into position.

Prominent palatal fold (soft palate): Can block the laryngeal opening.

Strong laryngospasm reflex: Larynx may close in response to stimulation.

Delicate trachea: Risk of trauma if force is used.

Why are ferrets at increased risk of hypoglycemia during anesthesia?

Because they have a fast metabolism and food moves quickly through their GI tracts.

A bird under anesthesia starts to make gurgling noises. What should you check immediately?

The E-tube

A rabbit is under anesthesia, and you observe dilated pupils and no corneal reflex. What does this indicate?

Loss of coronal reflex and dilated pupils indicate deep anesthesia

A ferret is post-op and hiding in the back of its cage, not exploring. What might this behavior suggest?

That it is in pain or discomfort

Sophie the ferret has a blood glucose level of 43 mg/dL pre-op. What are two interventions to maintain her glucose during surgery?

Giving dextrose. Giving glucose. Reducing any fasting.

You are preparing for anesthesia on a chinchilla. List two special considerations for induction and monitoring.

Respiratory sensitivity: prone to respiratory depression and apnea under anesthesia. Avoid excessive doses

Small size and metabolic rate: Small body size makes them susceptible to hypothermia and hypoglycemia.