Volatile fluorinated methyl ethyl ether with the lowest blood:gas solubility coefficient of all clinical inhalants (0.42), allowing the fastest induction, depth adjustment, and recovery. Requires heated vaporizer (boiling point 23.5°C).
At a glance
Class
Halogenated Inhalant Anesthetic
Storage
Store at room temperature; keep below 23.5°C to prevent boiling outside vaporizer
Dosing
Fastest recovery of all inhalants
Frequency
Continuous during anesthesia
Very pungent — mask induction contraindicated (laryngospasm)
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
SpO2ETCO2Blood pressureECGTemperatureAnesthetic depth
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Desflurane?
Desflurane is a halogenated inhalant anesthetic used in pets. Volatile fluorinated methyl ethyl ether with the lowest blood:gas solubility coefficient of all clinical inhalants (0.42), allowing the fastest induction, depth adjustment, and recovery. Requires heated vaporizer (boiling point 23.5°C).
›What is Desflurane used for in pets?
Desflurane is used in veterinary medicine for: Fastest recovery of all inhalants; Very pungent — mask induction contraindicated (laryngospasm).
›What is the Desflurane dose for dogs?
For dogs, Desflurane is typically dosed as follows — Fastest recovery of all inhalants: undefined undefined Inhalation Continuous during anesthesia. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Desflurane dose for cats?
For cats, Desflurane is typically dosed as follows — Very pungent — mask induction contraindicated (laryngospasm): undefined undefined Inhalation Continuous. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Desflurane need a prescription?
Yes. Desflurane is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database