Comparison of the Use of Mask or Chamber in Inducing Anesthesia with Isoflurane in Rabbits

Objective- To study the effects of Isoflurane in inducing anesthesia and comparing mask and chamber induction anesthesia in rabbits for the first trial in Iran. Design- Experimental design. Animals- 20 female adult New Zealand White rabbits. Procedures- Animals were divided randomly into two groups. A 40 cm3 Chamber was used in group A with 4-5% concentration of isoflurane and a face mask was used in group B with 1-1.5% concentration of isoflurane to induce anesthesia. The concentration of isoflurane increased in 30 second intervals since reached to 4%. Routine ovariohysterectomy was performed in both groups.  Duration of induction and recovery, apneuastic period and volume of consumed isoflurane were measured in both groups. Results- Mean duration of induction of anesthesia was significantly shorter in group B in comparison to group A (P<0.05). Apneuastic duration was lasting 10 to 90 sec. The volume of isoflurane delivered to animals was significantly lower in group B (7.1±1.2 ml) compared with group A (24.7±6.6 ml) (P<0.05). The mean duration of recovery was not significantly different in group A compared to group B (P>0.05). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- As concluded use of isoflurane to induce anesthesia in rabbits is feasible and safe in case of available equipments. Mask induction seems more appropriate to induce anesthesia than chamber.