Effect of theatre temperature on body temperature during anaesthesia for routine neutering of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of theatre temperature on body temperature in rabbits undergoing castration or ovariohysterectomy surgery during general anaesthesia.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective, clinical study.

ANIMALS: A group of 88 rabbits presented for elective neutering.

METHODS

Rabbits were divided into male (31/54) and female (23/54) groups and assigned to one of two theatre temperatures via coin toss. Theatre temperature was 23 °C (±2 °C) for group A (n = 37/54) and 28 °C (±2 °C) for group B (n = 17/54). During anaesthesia and recovery, theatre temperature and rectal temperature were recorded every 5 minutes. Time to resumption of feeding and passing faeces were recorded. Data are presented as median (interquartile range) or mean (± standard deviation). Statistical analyses comprised a mixed-effects model, with Sidak's multiple comparison test for post-hoc testing and Fisher's exact test; p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 54 rabbits completed the study, with median age 6 (4-9) months and median weight 1.53 (1.30-1.79) kg. In rabbits undergoing castration, theatre temperature did not significantly affect body temperature. Mean temperatures immediately after induction were 38.6 °C and 38.7 °C and at the end of the procedure 38.5 °C and 38.5 °C for group A and group B, respectively. In rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy, mean temperatures immediately after induction were 38.3 °C and 38.8 °C and at the end of the procedure 38.1 °C and 39.2 °C for group A and group B, respectively. Rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy at an ambient temperature of 28 °C had a significantly higher final temperature, mean ± 1.15 °C (95% confidence interval, 0.47-1.83), compared with 23 °C (p = 0.001). Theatre temperature did not affect return to feeding or defaecating.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: During anaesthesia an ambient theatre temperature of 28 °C may reduce the risk of hypothermia in rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy or similarly invasive surgery.