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Exotic Animal Anesthesia Flashcards

7 cards from real ICVA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Exotic Animal Anesthesia flashcards as text

  1. Which inhalant anesthetic is most commonly recommended for reptiles due to its rapid induction and recovery profile?

    Answer: Isoflurane

    Isoflurane is preferred in reptiles because it provides smooth induction, stable cardiovascular effects, and rapid recovery compared to older agents.

  2. What is the primary concern when anesthetizing a chelonian (turtle or tortoise) regarding respiratory monitoring?

    Answer: Ability to breath-hold voluntarily for extended periods

    Chelonians can voluntarily breath-hold for prolonged periods, making respiratory rate an unreliable anesthetic depth indicator.

  3. Which analgesic class has demonstrated the least clinical efficacy in birds due to differences in opioid receptor distribution?

    Answer: Mu-opioid agonists

    Birds have a different distribution and density of mu-opioid receptors compared to mammals, making mu-opioid agonists less effective analgesics in avian patients.

  4. A ferret presenting for adrenalectomy requires premedication. Which combination is most appropriate?

    Answer: Medetomidine and butorphanol

    Medetomidine combined with butorphanol provides reliable sedation and analgesia in ferrets with a manageable cardiovascular profile.

  5. What is the recommended body temperature range to maintain during anesthesia in most lizard species?

    Answer: 25–35°C

    Lizards are ectotherms and their metabolic and anesthetic drug metabolism is optimized within their preferred optimal temperature zone of approximately 25–35°C.

  6. Which route of administration is most reliable for delivering ketamine to a fractious iguana when IV access is not available?

    Answer: Intramuscular

    Intramuscular injection into the epaxial muscles or forelimbs provides reliable absorption of ketamine in iguanas when IV access cannot be established.

  7. In small passerine birds, the greatest anesthetic risk compared to larger birds is attributed to which physiological difference?

    Answer: Higher metabolic rate and rapid drug metabolism

    Small passerines have extremely high metabolic rates, meaning anesthetic drugs are metabolized quickly and hypothermia risk is markedly elevated.