This study aimed to compare the venous acid-base status of healthy awake versus anesthetized Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Ten nonanesthetized penguins were manually restrained, and a venous blood sample was collected. Six of these penguins were anesthetized by 2% isoflurane and, after an anesthetic stabilization period, both venous and arterial blood samples were simultaneously withdrawn. Using an i-STAT analyzer, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), pH, standard bicarbonate concentration (HCO3-), total carbon dioxide (ctCO2), oxygen saturation (SO2), base excess (BE), Na+, and K+ levels were measured in venous blood samples of awake (Gawake) penguins and in venous (Gven) and arterial blood (Gart) samples of anesthetized penguins. There were no significant differences between groups in pH, BE, or Na+. Venous carbon dioxide pressure, HCO3-, and venous ctCO2 were higher in Gven than Gawake penguins, whereas PCO2 was higher in Gven than Gart penguins. PO2 and SO2 were higher in the Gart group than in the other groups. Both venous and arterial blood samples may be used to evaluate the acid-base profile of Magellanic penguins.
Keywords: Acid-base profileAcid-base profile; avian; bird; blood gas analysis; electrolytes; penguin.
© 2019 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.