The safest system for inducing and maintaining general anaesthesia in the hamster is to use isoflurane. A face mask for dogs can be used as an induction chamber (Fig. 1). There are also commercially available masks that are small and suitable for the head of a hamster. It is, however, possible to construct one using a cut 20 ml syringe and a piece of latex glove with a slit to introduce the head. Orotracheal intubation is not feasible in hamsters, given their small size.
Furthermore, the small mass of hamsters puts them at risk of hypothermia, which would be rapidly fatal. It is, therefore, essential to avoid hypothermia during anaesthesia and the recovery of consciousness: a mat, warmed by circulating water, should be placed underneath the patient (Fig. 2).
The part to be shaven should be as small as possible and a warmed chorhexidine-based solution should be used for disinfection rather than alcohol. The use of a transparent drape not only limits the dispersion of heat, but also enables optimal monitoring of the patient. The hamster should be kept in a warm environment until it has completely recovered consciousness. Before and after the operation, warmed fluids can be administered subcutaneously.
