Field anesthesia of least weasels (Mustela nivalis nivalis) with isoflurane

摘要: The aggressive and agile nature of weasels makes the use inhalant anesthetics preferable to injectable agents because generally reduce handling time, cause less stress present no risk delivering drug into an unintended area. Here we report on anesthetic isoflurane in free ranging least weasels. We used a battery powered portable anesthesia unit (Uninventor 400 Anesthesia Unit, AgnTho’s AB, Sweden) immobilize animals field. liquid was filled syringe connected vaporizer where it mixed with air coming from pump. inhaled first wooden chamber then through modified facial mask. Mean induction time 4.8 minutes (± 0.3 SE) setting 4% isoflurane. maintained mask 2% recovery 16.4 2.1 mean recumbency 40.7 2.9 SE). anesthesized 9 animals, had fatalities during all recovered quickly. One animal found dead 11 days post-capture undetermined cause. Isoflurane is safe easy tested setting. However were unsuccessful monitoring following their release therefore recommend further evaluation anesthetic. In addition, bedding avoid hypothermia.