Saffan induced poikilothermia in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

The steroidal anaesthetic agent Saffan (a 1,2% m/v mixture of alphaxalone and alphadolone) induced a state of poikilothermia in cheetahs. On a warm day (maximum temperature 29 degrees C) rectal temperatures rose in 7 of 8 male cheetahs given Saffan. The highest rectal temperature recorded was 41 degrees C. On a cool day (minimum temperature 19,5 degrees C) rectal temperature fell in 6 of 6 male cheetahs. The lowest rectal temperatures recorded was 36,2 degrees C. Saffan at 3 mg/kg intravenously in cheetahs is an excellent and safe hypnotic but should be used with caution on both hot and cold days.