Use of arterial blood gas analysis as a superior method for evaluating respiratory function in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

摘要

Pulse oximetry is often used to measure oxygenation in rabbits, but is limited by poor connection, skin pigmentation, high heart rates and the use of anaesthetic agents that cause peripheral vasoconstriction. Thus pulse oximetry results obtained may be inconsistent and unreliable. The purpose of this study was to compare commonly used invasive (arterial blood gas analysis) and non-invasive (capnogra-phy and pulse oximetry) methods of monitoring respiratory function in conscious rabbits, and to establish reference intervals for arterial blood gas samples in pet rabbits.