Anesthesia of marine mammals is complicated by their unique
physiology and anatomy. The dive reflex, which is highly evolved
in marine mammals, includes such processes as breath holding,
slowing of the heart rate, and pooling of blood away from peripheral
tissues. These processes often occur during anesthesia of marine
mammals and can be life threatening if not controlled correctly.
Several anesthetic protocols have been developed at The Center
because there are so many animals that require anesthesia
in order to diagnose and treat their medical problems. Each
species, age group, condition, and type of procedure requires
different anesthetic techniques.
Monitoring of anesthetized marine mammals is essential to
adequately support and animal through a procedure and to safely
accomplish the desired task. Parameters that are routinely
monitored include heart rate, electrocardiogram, respiratory
rate, temperature, plane of anesthesia, oxygen saturation,
end-tidal carbon dioxide levels, blood gas parameters, and
blood pressure. Methods of support for anesthetized marine
mammals include mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluid
therapy, temperature control, and any number of pharmaceutical
agents to combat any negative side effects associated with
anesthesia.
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Anesthesia