Anesthesia of small kangaroos.

Small kangaroos were anesthetized, using sodium thiopental IV for induction followed by endotracheal intubation and administration of a halothane and oxygen mixture. Endotracheal intubation in these small kangaroos was difficult, primarily because the long oral cavity prevented adequate visualization of the larynx. Intubation was facilitated by the use of a laryngoscope and a straight wire stylet inserted into the lumen of the endotracheal tube. Blood samples were collected from the median saphenous artery, and analysis showed that statistically significant increases in PO2 and PCO2 had occurred during anesthesia. Only minor variable changes in pH values were recorded. During anesthesia, decreased heart rate and increased mean respiratory rate were accompanied by rapid depression in cloacal temperature.