Cessation of electroencephalographic activity in animals exposed to a lethal dose of succinyldicholine

Abstract

EEG recordings were obtained from anaesthetized elephant, buffalo, rabbits and impala before and after the administraton of a lethal dose of scoline. All EEG activity ceased at an arterial haemoglobin-oxygen saturation of about 25% in the species studied. There was a change in respiratory rate after the lethal dose was administered, and the EEG frequency increased just before death, but the amplitude did not change. The discomfort experienced after the administration of scoline will be perceived until shortly before death in any animal species.