Comparison of clinical effects of four different anesthesia protocols in rabbits

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical effects of four different anesthesia protocols in rabbits and to suggest a safe and controlled alternative inhalation anesthesia with endotracheal intubation technique for clinical applications and experimental studies in rabbits. A total of 40 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10). Propofol-sevoflurane, midazolam-sevoflurane, medetomidine- ketamine-sevoflurane and sevoflurane only. All anesthesia protocols were completed without causing death. Although the medetomidine-ketamine-sevoflurane provided the best surgical anesthesia (2.75 ± 0.5) and induction quality (2.90± 0.5), it caused significant decreases in HR and RR from baseline (230.6 ± 9.9 and 89.5±7.9, respectively) to the 10th min of anesthesia (167.1 ± 12.7 and 45.8 ± 4.9, respectively) (P < 0.05). The fastest anesthesia induction was observed in the propofol-sevoflurane (2.5 ± 0.5), while the medetomidine- ketamine-sevoflurane had the longest recovery time (84,0± 8,1). In the midazolam-sevoflurane group, intubation was significantly more difficult (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of post-anesthesia hematological effects. Based on the superior analgesic depth observed in this study and supported by previous literature, the medetomidine-ketamine-sevoflurane combination may be considered a suitable option for rabbits undergoing complex procedures. However, continuous monitoring of physiological parameters during and after anesthesia until full recovery is essential to prevent potential complications. Additionally, the propofol-sevoflurane combination appears to be a safe and suitable option for rabbits requiring imaging or immobilization, as it allows for rapid recovery and awakening.