Anesthesia of toad (Rhinella icterica) premedicated with dextroketamine and morphine for femur ostheosyntesis

Abstract

In the present work, the objective is to relate the anesthetic procedures performed in a specimen of Rhinella icterica that underwent femoral osteosynthesis, as well as the results obtained regarding anesthetic efficacy and safety, and vital signs measured during the perioperative period. Pre-anesthetic medication was performed with dextroketamine and morphine, from which light anesthesia was obtained. Anesthetic induction was performed in gas chamber with isoflurane to reach surgical anesthetic plane. The animal was monitored by evaluation of anesthetic plane, electrocardiogram, pulse oximetry, counting of gular movements and hart rate by vascular Doppler positioned in the sternum. During the entire perioperative period, care was taken to maintain adequate room temperature and skin moistening, in order to preserve organic functions at physiologic standards for the species. Complete anesthetic recovery occurred quickly compared to previously existing literature. The protocol proved to be effective in promoting general anesthesia and safe in terms of stability of evaluated vital signs, becoming an alternative to the use of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and eugenol. More study is necessary regarding particular anesthetic effects on each species, and, given the lack of information, it is important to consider physiologic characteristics of amphibians in general to minimize the risks.