title: Effects of hot-iron branding on heart rate, breathing rate and behaviour of anaesthetised Steller sea lions.
abstract: This study assessed the heart rate, breathing rate and behavioural responses of 12 juvenile Steller sea lions during hot-iron branding under isoflurane anaesthesia. Physiological and behavioural measures were recorded in four periods: baseline (five minutes), sham branding (one minute), branding (approximately 2.7 minutes) and postbranding (five minutes). No difference in heart rate was noted from baseline to sham branding, but heart rate increased from mean (sem) 78.3 (2.4) bpm in the baseline period to 85.6 (2.5) bpm in the branding period. Heart rate remained elevated in the postbranding period, averaging 84.7 (2.5) bpm. Breathing rate averaged 2.5 (1.0) breaths/minute in the baseline and sham branding periods increased to 8.9 (1.0) breaths/minute during branding, but returned to baseline by the postbranding period. Behaviourally, half of the sea lions exhibited trembling and head and shoulder movements during branding.
authors: Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada. kristenw3@yahoo.com
authors: K A
authors: KA
authors: Walker
authors: J E
authors: JE
authors: Mellish
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Weary
mesh_terms: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000823:Animal Identification Systems / Q000662:veterinary; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D007530:Isoflurane / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D056152:Respiratory Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D046070:Sea Lions / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D007530:Isoflurane