What is the primary method to achieve anesthesia in small mammals according to veterinary practices?

In veterinary practice, inhalation agents represent the primary method for achieving anesthesia in small mammals due to their effectiveness and controllability. Inhalation anesthetics are administered through a gas or vapor that is inhaled by the animal, allowing for rapid induction and recovery from anesthesia. This method is preferred because it provides a reliable way to regulate the depth of anesthesia by adjusting the concentration of the agent being delivered.

Inhalation anesthesia also has the advantage of allowing for quick adjustments in response to the animal's physiological status, which is particularly important in small mammals known for their sensitivity to anesthetic agents. Additionally, this method typically results in a more stable respiratory pattern and better overall control of the anesthetic depth throughout the procedure compared to other methods.

While intramuscular injections can be used for anesthesia, they are less common in small mammals due to variable absorption rates and longer recovery times. Infusion therapy primarily involves delivering fluids or medications through an IV line, and while it may support anesthesia, it is not a primary method for achieving it. Oxygen sedation, while helpful in some cases, does not provide the level of anesthesia needed for surgical procedures and typically serves as an adjunct rather than a standalone method.

Thus, inhalation agents are indeed the preferred and most