Avertin as an Anesthetic During Experimental Operations on Central Nervous System of Cat

Abstract

In operations on the central nervous system in cats, we have found that Avertin has many advantages over such an anesthetic as ether. We have used it on about 100 animals and find it to be of special value in several respects.

1. Being given per rectum, the dangers of contamination by the ether mask are eliminated when operating on the head region.

2. The animals may be made to remain perfectly quiet through the entire operation even if lasting up to 5 hours, without the use of any other drug, thus reducing the number of assistants—an anesthetist not being needed. It is therefore especially valuable where long periods of immobility are required, as in experiments where electrodes are to be kept for a considerable time in exactly the same place.

3. The increase of flow of mucus and saliva which is often produced by ether is eliminated by the use of Avertin. This feature is especially desirable in operations such as those on the base of the skull, in which the trachea must be retracted to make good exposure.

4. The danger of tongue swallowing is eliminated since Avertin induces the tongue to drop forward.

5. After the use of Avertin the animal sleeps quietly for 24-48 hours. This period of rest encourages wound healing and reduces the danger of hemorrhage and infection, since the animal cannot open the wound.