Isoflurane?

Question

My friend is a veterinary nurse and last week they were administering gas to a dog and there was an inproper seal on the mask. She began to feel very groggy and as she described the room began to echo and she became wobbly. I am worried about the long term health issues associated with exposure and also about the laws related to protecting her against this happening again. She said it was no big deal cos she felt fine afer some fresh air, but she does have an arrythmia problem with her heart?

Answer 1

Isoflurane is a very safe gas. I'm a vet nurse, and we often get exposed to it with absolutely no ill effects. The smell makes some people feel sick, although it doesn't bother me at all. I would think your friend may have been feeling dizzy due to nausea. Presumably she has a doctor though, she should check with him if isoflurane exposure might cause a problem.

Really, the amount of isoflurane from a leaky mask is absolutely minute. Remember we use this gas on animals with severe heart conditions all the time, to no ill effect.

I must show my boss this question, he gets irritated because I always comment on things that result in isoflurane exposure, like removing the mask from the animal before turning the gas off! He has full confidence in the safety of isoflurane, and after 30 years of vet experience, I have to say I trust his views.

Don't be worried, just get your friend to check this with her doc.

Chalice

Answer 2

you should deffenetly see a doctor and ask about this, for your friends sake.