Evaluation of noninvasive monitoring techniques in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

• Published in: American journal of veterinary research Vol. 58; no. 10; p. 1065
• Main Authors: Olin, J.M. (Baxter Healthcare Corp., Irvine, CA.), Smith, T.J, Talcott, M.R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.1997
• Subjects: ACCURACY; Anesthetics, Inhalation - adverse effects; Animals; Blood Gas Analysis - methods; Blood Gas Analysis - veterinary; BLOOD GASES; BLOOD PRESSURE; Blood Pressure - physiology; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory - methods; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory - standards; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory - veterinary; BLOOD SAMPLING; CAPNOGRAPHY; Capnography - methods; Capnography - standards; Capnography - veterinary; Carbon Dioxide - metabolism; CONTROLE CONTINU; ECHANGE GAZEUX; Female; FERRETS; Ferrets - metabolism; Ferrets - physiology; FRECUENCIA CARDIACA; FREQUENCE CARDIAQUE; FURET; GAS EXCHANGE; GASES SANGUINEOS; GAZ SANGUIN; HEART RATE; HURON; Hypotension - chemically induced; Hypotension - physiopathology; Hypotension - veterinary; Hypoxia - chemically induced; Hypoxia - physiopathology; Hypoxia - veterinary; INTERCAMBIO DE GASES; Isoflurane - adverse effects; METHODE; METHODS; METODOS; MONITORING; Monitoring, Physiologic - methods; Monitoring, Physiologic - veterinary; MUESTREO SANGUINEO; Nitrous Oxide - adverse effects; Oximetry - methods; Oximetry - standards; Oximetry - veterinary; Oxygen - metabolism; PRELEVEMENT SANGUIN; PRESION SANGUINEA; PRESSION SANGUINE; PULSE OXIMETRY; Reference Values; Respiration - physiology; RESPIRATION RATE; VIGILANCIA
• ISSN: 0002-9645; 1943-5681
• DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.1997.58.10.1065

To evaluate instrument placement and accuracy of indirect physiologic monitoring techniques in anesthetized domestic ferrets. 10 healthy adult female ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Direct arterial blood pressure measurement and arterial blood sample collection were performed in ferrets. A pulse oximeter probe was clipped to a forefoot or hind foot; an airway adaptor for capnography was attached to the endotracheal tube; and a sphygmomanometer cuff and Doppler flow probe were positioned on the tail. Isoflurane and nitrous oxide concentrations were varied to induce episodes of hypotension or hypoxia, respectively. Aforementioned noninvasive techniques were compared with direct methods of arterial blood gas analysis, hemoximetry, and arterial blood pressure measurement. Simultaneously obtained direct and indirect measurements were statistically evaluated for mean and SD of the differences, and SEM, and subjectively, for ease of use and relevance to the clinical situation. Values obtained from pulse oximetry were closely related to oxygen saturation measured by blood gas analysis (O2sat). The mean (+/- SD) difference for all results was -0.49 (+/- -4.09)%. The most precise measurements were obtained when O2sat was between 90 and 100%. Capnography measurements varied between ranges. The most accurate measurements were obtained when PaCO2 was < 25 mm of Hg, when the mean difference was 1.6 (+/- -3.01) mm of Hg. Indirect blood pressure measurement consistently underestimated the direct blood pressure value. Pulse oximetry is a convenient and accurate method for monitoring oxygen saturation in domestic ferrets. Capnography is useful for monitoring respiratory rate and pattern, but may present difficulties in interpretation of actual PaCO2. Indirect blood pressure monitoring is not accurate by use of current methods in ferrets.