Evaluation of supraglottic airway device use during inhalation anesthesia in healthy African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).

Objective: To evaluate a supraglottic airway device (SGAD) designed for rabbits in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) during inhalation anesthesia.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized, blinded experimental study.

Animals: A total of 12 adult African pygmy hedgehogs (seven male, five female).

Methods: Hedgehogs were placed in a chamber and anesthesia was induced using isoflurane in oxygen. Oropharyngeal endoscopy was performed and video recorded. The SGAD (v-gel R1) was inserted and connected to a Mapleson D circuit. Capnography, pulse oximetry and physiologic variables were measured during anesthesia, and lung inflation was tested at 10 and 20 cmHO. With the SGAD temporarily disconnected, anesthetized hedgehogs were randomly positioned into right and left lateral, dorsal and sternal recumbency to evaluate the effect of a change in body position on SGAD placement. Oropharyngeal endoscopy was repeated at the end of anesthesia, and recovery time was recorded. Pre- and post-SGAD placement endoscopy videos were retrospectively reviewed and scored for gross trauma.

Results: The median [interquartile range (IQR)] time to successful SGAD placement was 38 (16-68) seconds. The time to SGAD placement decreased as the study progressed. SGAD required repositioning in six hedgehogs, median 2.5 (IQR, 1-3.5) adjustments each, to successfully perform lung inflation or maintain capnography readings. Lung inflation at 10 cmHO was successfully performed without leakage in nine animals, and in the other three animals after adjusting the SGAD at 1-2 time points. Inflation at 20 cmHO was rarely achieved without an air leak. Changes in heart and respiratory rates during anesthesia were not clinically relevant. Median endoscopic scores were 0 (no lesions) for both pre-and postplacement.

Conclusions And Clinical Relevance: The SGAD was relatively quickly and easily placed, permitted lung inflation and caused no significant oropharyngeal damage. The SGAD is a practical option for airway management in African pygmy hedgehogs.