Introduction.Newborn rabbit is useful as an animal model of various pathologies and procedures. Some of these procedures require some advanced airway management, and it can be challenging because of the complex airway characteristics and the little size of the animal. We present a novel technique for endotracheal intubation performed by the occlusion of the esophagus and the introduction of the tube into the airway without direct visualization.Materials.
We will need a two-millimeters diameter PVC endotracheal tube, a six French polyurethane feeding tube, and plain and wide-tipped dissection forceps. Also, we can use a sterile lubricant.Anesthesia. Sedate the animal with xylazine five milligrams per kilo and ketamine 25 milligrams per kilo.
Apply together intramuscularly in the vastus lateralis of the femoral quadriceps. Allow three to five minutes for the medication to reach effect. Repeat those until negative pedal reflex is achieved.
Evaluate the rabbit will maintain a spontaneous breathing until intubation. Endotracheal intubation. Place the animal in dorsal recumbency with the head in hyperextension.
A roll made of a sterile gauze and placed in the dorsal region of the neck may be helpful. Use plain and wide-tipped dissection forceps to open the oral cavity approximately one centimeter wide. Introduce a six French polyurethane gastric tube until the cessation of its progress.
The feeding tube is moved and fix it. Introduce the two-millimeter diameter PVC endotracheal tube impregnated with the sterile lubricant until it reaches the three-centimeter mark. If there are any difficulties in advancing the tube, it should be completely removed and re-attempt until a smooth glide is achieved.
The tube is also fixed.Results. The procedure has been performed in 10 animals. Their weight range was between 110 to 210 grams depending of the day of life and their nutritional status.
The global success rate was 90%The only failure occurred in the smallest rabbit because of its narrow airway.Conclusion. The model of intubation of newborn rabbits we describe here doesn't require the use of specialized equipment, it's easy to master and can be performed by a single individual without the need for an assistant. All blind airway access techniques present some level of risk, but we believe this technique is an option when guided visualization is difficult, as in very little animals.
