Isoflurane anesthesia in a rhinoceros

During surgical exploration of the reproductive tract of a 15-year-old female white rhinoceros, anesthesia was maintained by administration of isoflurane in oxygen. Anesthesia was induced with IM administration of etorphine, and, to facilitate endotracheal intubation, muscle relaxation was achieved by IV administration of additional etorphine, acepromazine maleate, guaifenesin, and thiamylal sodium. Minor complications encountered during the anesthetic monitoring period included hypoventilation and ventilation/perfusion inequality, which contributed to hypoxemia. Recovery was not evaluated because the rhinoceros was euthanatized at the end of the surgical procedure.