Hi everyone
 
ISOFLURANE QUESTION
I've been following the isoflurane vs.  other anesthetics discussion with
much interest.  Like many here, I'm aware that isoflurane is the
preferred/recommended anesthetic for use in ferrets.
 
Some time ago when my Bean had surgery, I discussed the anesthetic with my
vet, a lady who has worked extensively with ferrets.  She indicated that she
will not use isoflurane alone and prefers to use an injectable anesthetic
(ketamine, I believe).
 
When I asked why, she said that isoflurane only immobilizes but does nothing
to anesthetize or reduce pain.  She went on to say that ferrets "recover"
from isoflurane too quickly and that the injectable has the advantage of
keeping them calm for a longer period of time following surgery.
 
Can anyone answer to these statements?  It seems to me that vets would not
recommend isoflurane if it only immobilized and did not control pain; but,
on the other hand, I respect this vet's opinion, and I don't think she would
tell me this if it weren't true.
 
As for the advantage of injectables keeping the ferrets calmer after
surgery, I can understand this benefit.  How do isoflurane-anesthetized
ferrets do after surgery?  Are they easy to keep still and calm (at least
for a few hours!)?
 
Looking forward to further discussion,
Gina Hart/Sage Ferrets
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/2040
Paleface (Bean), the Sage Ferret and
"The Boys": Gunnar the Red (Goose), Daniel Spikey Tiger (Spikey), Beau
Geste (Boseph)
[Posted in FML issue 2252]