Changes

'''Baseline behavioural parameters''' should be obtained, such as ventilation, caudal fin stroke rate and overall activity rate.

'''Baseline behavioural parameters''' should be obtained, such as ventilation, caudal fin stroke rate and overall activity rate.

The anaesthetic and recovery baths should contain '''water from the aquatic system''' the fish is used to. All water parameters should be in an acceptable range and the temperature should be constant. The baths can be aerated using an air diffused or air stone.

The anaesthetic and recovery baths should contain '''water from the aquatic system''' the fish is used to. All water parameters should be in an acceptable range and the temperature should be constant. The baths can be aerated using an air diffuser or air stone.

If the procedure is going to be completed out of the water, arrangements must be in place to '''prevent drying out''' of the skin, fins and eyes. This may include coverage with clear plastic drapes and regular wetting of tissues with a syringe or an atomiser.

If the procedure is going to be completed out of the water, arrangements must be in place to '''prevent drying out''' of the skin, fins and eyes. This may include coverage with clear plastic drapes and regular wetting of tissues with a syringe or an atomiser.

Common products used for immersion anaesthesia include:

Common products used for immersion anaesthesia include:

:Benzocaine

:Benzocaine

:Clove oil

:Clove oil (note this only immobilises the fish so is not suitable for painful procedures)

:Halothane

:Halothane

:Isoflurane

:Isoflurane

Induction usually takes 5-10 minutes and is marked by a decrease in caudal fin strokes, swimming, respiratory rate and reaction to stimuli. There is also a '''loss of equilibrium''' and the righting reflex is poor.

Induction usually takes 5-10 minutes and is marked by a decrease in caudal fin strokes, swimming, respiratory rate and reaction to stimuli. There is also a '''loss of equilibrium''' and the righting reflex is poor.

With surgical anaesthesia there is loss of muscle tone and further respiratory depression. No response to a '''firm squeeze at the base of the tail''' confirms a loss of reaction to stimuli and general anaesthesia. '''Opercular movements''' usually show that respiration is occuring, but in deep anaesthesia these movements may cease.

With surgical anaesthesia there is loss of muscle tone and further respiratory depression. No response to a '''firm squeeze at the base of the tail''' confirms a loss of reaction to stimuli and general anaesthesia. '''Opercular movements''' usually show that respiration is occurring, but in deep anaesthesia these movements may cease.

There may be a '''short excitement phase''' during immersion induction and some fish may traumatise themselves.

There may be a '''short excitement phase''' during immersion induction and some fish may traumatise themselves.

The '''heart rate''' can be monitored by directly observing cardiac movement, or via ultrasonography, Doppler flow probes or '''ECG'''. Gill colour may be a useful indicator of oxygenation.

The '''heart rate''' can be monitored by directly observing cardiac movement, or via ultrasonography, Doppler flow probes or '''ECG'''. Gill colour may be a useful indicator of oxygenation.

'''Venous blood gas samples''' can be obtained from large fish to periodically monitor trends in oxygenation, ventilation and pH.

'''Venous blood gas samples''' can be obtained from large fish to periodically monitor trends in oxygenation, ventilation and pH.

'''Water quality''' should be monitored to prevent anaesthetic morbidity and mortality. Partial water changes may be necessary.

'''Water quality''' should be monitored to prevent anaesthetic morbidity and mortality. Partial water changes may be necessary.

Neiffer, D. (2009) '''Fish Sedation, Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Euthanasia: Considerations, Methods, and Types of Drugs''' ''ILAR journal''

Neiffer, D. (2009) '''Fish Sedation, Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Euthanasia: Considerations, Methods, and Types of Drugs''' ''ILAR journal''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Anaesthesia]]

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