Effect of preoxygenation before isoflurane induction and rocuronium-induced apnea on time until hemoglobin desaturation in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

To evaluate the time to hemoglobin oxygen desaturation in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) with and without preoxygenation before isoflurane induction of anesthesia and rocuronium-induced apnea. Prospective, randomized crossover study. A total of 10 healthy adult Lohmann Brown-Lite hens. Hens were anesthetized with isoflurane for intravenous (IV) and intraarterial catheter placement and allowed to fully recover from anesthesia. Hens in the preoxygenation treatment were administered oxygen (2 L minute–1) via a facemask for 3 minutes prior to induction of anesthesia with 3% isoflurane in oxygen. In the alternative treatment, hens were not preoxygenated prior to induction of anesthesia with isoflurane in oxygen. Apnea was then induced with rocuronium bromide (1.0 mg kg–1) administered IV, and anesthesia was maintained with IV propofol infusion. A cloacal pulse oximeter measured hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2). Time was recorded from the start of apnea until SpO2 was 90% (desaturation). The trachea was intubated, and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen with manual ventilation until spontaneous breathing returned and SpO2 ≥ 99%. PaO2 was measured before each treatment, after preoxygenation, postinduction and at desaturation. Data were analyzed between treatments using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank tests with Holm-Šidák multiple comparison test, and within treatments using Friedman test with Dunn’s multiple comparison test (p < 0.05). Data are reported as median (range). Time from start of apnea until hemoglobin desaturation was not significantly different between preoxygenated and nonpreoxygenated hens [26.5 (16–50) seconds and 24.0 (5–57) seconds, respectively; p = 0.25]. No differences in PaO2 between treatments were observed at any time point. Preoxygenation for 3 minutes before isoflurane mask induction of anesthesia and apnea does not significantly increase time until desaturation in hens.