Isoflurane Anesthesia in Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis)

Information on species differences in responses to inhalation anesthetics has been established in a variety of mammalian and non-mammalian species, but comparable studies have not been reported in birds. The purpose of this study was to determine minimal anesthetic concentration and cardiopulmonary concentration-response effects of isoflurane in Sandhill cranes. Six cranes were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen. Gases sampled through a polyethylene tube inserted to the distal end of an endotracheal tube were used for measurements of isoflurane concentrations using an infrared gas analyzer. Body temperature was maintained at 40 +/- 0.5 degrees C. The minimal anesthetic concentration for isoflurane was determined during spontaneous ventilation, and concentration-response data were collected at 1, 1.5, and 2.0 times the minimal anesthetic concentration. Concentration-response data were repeated during mechanically controlled breathing with PaCO2 maintained between 27 and 35 mm Hg. The minimal anesthetic concentration for isoflurane was 1.34 +/- 0.14 vol% (mean +/- SD). Concentration-dependent respiratory depression during spontaneous breathing was evidenced in all cranes by an increase in PaCO2. Isoflurane induced apnea in two of the cranes during spontaneous ventilation at 2 times the minimal anesthetic concentration. As the concentration of isoflurane was increased, mean arterial blood pressure decreased during both spontaneous and controlled ventilation. Mean arterial blood pressure was higher during controlled ventilation than during spontaneous ventilation. The minimal anesthetic concentration for isoflurane in Sandhill cranes is similar to values for isoflurane minimal anesthetic concentration in mammals. Isoflurane has dose-dependent effects on cardiopulmonary function qualitatively similar to those observed in mammals.