The simplest way to correct high ETCO2 is to simply ventilate (“bag”) the animal more frequently. Extremely high carbon dioxide levels (> 13.3 kPa) can cause narcosis and exacerbate deep levels of anesthesia. Normal healthy animals can tolerate some increase in carbon dioxide levels (up to 7.9 - 9.3 kPa) without suffering detrimental effects. The most common cause of increased ETCO2 is hypercapnia secondary to anesthetic-induced hypoventilation. Normal ETCO2 levels are 4.6 - 6 kPa (35-45 mmHg).
How to measure hypercapnia and its importance
While pulse oximeters monitor oxygen saturation in anaesthetized animals, hypercapnia occurs more commonly than hypoxemia.
