Methoxyflurane anesthesia in mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fawns

Methoxyflurane inhalation was used a total of 58 times to anesthetize 23 hand-reared mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fawns ranging from 25 to 85 days of age. Induction, maintenance, and recovery times were recorded for 28 anesthetizations. Induction time was unrelated to age and averaged 3 +/- 1 min (X +/- SD). Recovery time was longest in the youngest fawns and varied with the depth but not with the length of anesthesia. Induction and recovery were smooth, the depth of anesthesia was easily controlled, and analgesia and muscle relaxation was excellent. No adverse effects or complications were encountered.