Ferret Sedation and Anesthesia

Abstract

Providing safe anesthetic events in ferrets can be achieved if fundamental principles in anesthesia are followed. Each phase of the anesthetic, event including preanesthetic, maintenance, and postanesthetic phase, have certain considerations. The anesthetic supervisor or veterinarian providing management should have a firm understanding of the species-specific anatomy, physiology, and common indications of general anesthesia along with perspective of their own experience with ferrets. Ensuring these guidelines are followed will facilitate safe administration of general anesthesia in this species.

Keywords: Anesthesia; Exotic anesthesia; Ferret anesthesia; Mustela putorius furo; Small mammal anesthesia.