Objective: To determine cardiopulmonary effects of desflurane administration in hypovolemic dogs.

Design: Five healthy, adult dogs were anesthetized with desflurane after a MAP of 60 mmHg was reached following blood withdrawal.

Procedure: Desflurane was delivered by face mask until endotracheal intubation could be performed. Cardiopulmonary effects were determined at 0 (M0), 5 (M1), 15 (M2), 30 (M3), 45 (M4) and 60 (M5) minutes after blood withdrawal. Data were analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Tukey´s test.

Results: DAP and MAP decreased after induction until M4. SAP, CO, CI, SV and SVR were not affected. CVP decreased after hypovolemia and was not affected by desflurane. At M0, pH, PaO2, o HCO3-, Ht and Hb were below lower limit values, whilst RR and tidal volume were above normal. Both PaCO2, SaO2 increased during desflurane anesthesia, Na+ was within normal values and K+ slightly below normal. Both Ht and Hb were below normal values and decreased during desflurane anesthesia; pH and K+ were lower at induction reaching normal values at M2.

Conclusions: Desflurane did not alter respiratory function or acid-base values. However, when administered to hypovolemic dogs, it induced significant changes in blood pressure, with minimal effects on cardiac function.