Effects of dorsal aortic cannulation on the respiration and haematology of mediterranean living Scyliorhinus canicula L

1. 1. The effects of cannulation of the dorsal aorta of dogfish on selected respiratory and haematological parameters has been assessed over a 24 hr period. 2. 2. Immediately after operational procedures pHaPaO2 and CaO2 were low and CaCO2, and plasma lactate were high. Erythrocyte swelling and a leucopenia were apparent. 3. 3. Cardio-ventilatory coupling was observed in only 2 individuals. 4. 4. The majority of measured variables attained a stable level within 3 hr, exceptions being pH and lactate. However, it is argued that even after 24 hr post-operation the fish were in a “stressed” condition.