The fraction of inspired oxygen does not affect the time to extubation in mechanically ventilated, sevoflurane-anesthetized green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of providing 100% O2, compared with the provision of 21% O2 (equivalent to room air), in mechanically ventilated, sevoflurane-anesthetized green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). ANIMALS: Eleven juvenile green sea turtles. PROCEDURES: In a randomized, blinded, cross-over study (1-week interval between treatments), turtles were anesthetized with propofol (5 mg/kg, IV), orotracheally intubated, mechanically ventilated with 3.5% sevoflurane diluted in 100% O2 or 21% O2 for 90 minutes. Sevoflurane delivery immediately ceased and animals remained under mechanical ventilation with the assigned fraction of inspired oxygen until extubation. Recovery times, cardiorespiratory variables, venous blood gases, and lactate values were evaluated. RESULTS: Cloacal temperature, heart rate, end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and blood gases were unremarkable between treatments. The SpO2 was higher with the provision of 100% O2 than 21% O2 during both anesthesia and recovery (P < .01). Time to bite the bite block was longer in 100% O2 (51 [39-58] minutes) than in 21% O2 (44 [31-53] minutes; P = .03), while time to first muscle movement, attempt to extubate, and extubation were comparable between treatments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Blood oxygenation appears to be lower during sevoflurane anesthesia in room air than in 100% O2, though both fractions of inspired oxygen were able to supply the aerobic metabolism of turtles based on acid-base profiles. In relation to room air, the provision of 100% O2 did not produce meaningful effects on the time to recovery in mechanically ventilated green turtles submitted to sevoflurane anesthesia.