Anesthetic Protocols for Enhancing Physiological Stability in Rabbits During Hemorrhagic Shock

Rabbits are commonly used in experimental research; however, their sensitivity to handling-induced stress and cardiovascular instability poses considerable challenges. These complications are not fully prevented by standard preanesthetic medication, making them less reliable, particularly in studies involving hemorrhagic shock.

The aim of this study was to identify enhanced anesthetic protocols that effectively maintain physiological stability and prevent respiratory or cardiac failure during the induction of hemorrhagic shock.

Fifteen adult female New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three equal groups: one received dexmedetomidine and ketamine; the other received the same induction followed by isoflurane maintenance; while the third, in addition to the medication of the second group, received a constant rate ketamine infusion. Vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO₂, reflexes, and core body temperature were continuously monitored. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by withdrawing 40% of the total blood volume through a surgically cannulated carotid artery.

Among the three, the third protocol provided the most consistent anesthesia depth in conjunction with stable vital signs, ensuring animal safety and effective modeling of hemorrhagic shock.

These results support the use of a combined inhalant anesthetic with continuous ketamine infusion to enhance physiological stability in rabbits during complex procedures, ultimately improving both the reliability of experimental data and animal welfare.