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Drug Dosage (Table 1) - Anesthesia and Analgesia

    Analgesics in mice and rats

Systemic analgesics must be considered for all species experiencing major survival surgical procedures as well as for animals undergoing minor procedures that may result in significant post-operative pain or discomfort.

Drug 

Mouse dose range

Route of administration

Frequency

Comments

NSAIDs *Prolonged use may cause gastrointestinal, renal or other problems

Flunixin meglumine (Banamine®)

2.5 mg/kg

SC, IM

Every 12-24 hours

Carprofen (Rimadyl®)

5 mg/kg

SC

Once every 24 hours

Ibuprofen (Children’s Advil®; Children’s Motrin®)

40 mg/kg diluted in drinking water

PO

Daily in fresh water**

Ketoprofen (Ketofen®)

5 mg/kg

SC

Once every 24 hours

Meloxicam (Metacam®)

1-2 mg/kg

PO, SC

Once every 12-24 hours

OPIOIDS

Buprenorphine (Buprenex®)

(Controlled)

2 mg/kg

SC

Once every 3-5 hours

If mild to moderate pain of increased duration is anticipated

Butorphanol (Torbugesic®, Torbutrol®, Stadol®)

(Controlled)

5 mg/kg

SC

Once every 1-2 hours

If mild pain of short duration is anticipated

Meperidine (Demerol®)

(Controlled)

10–20 mg/kg

or

0.2 mg/ml of Demerol HCl syrup in water

SC, IM

PO

Once every 2-3 hours

Daily in fresh water**

Morphine

(Controlled)

10 mg/kg

SC

Once every 2-3 hours

If severe post-operative pain is anticipated

Pentazocine (Talwin®)

(Controlled)

10 mg/kg

SC

Once every 2-4 hours

Mild to moderate pain; may develop analgesic tolerance with chronic administration

OTHER

Acetaminophen (Tylenol Pediatric Syrup) – analgesic / antipyretic

1-2 mg/ml drinking water made fresh daily

PO

Daily in fresh water **

May be appropriate for procedures causing mild discomfort only; efficacy has been questioned in rodents

Drug 

Rat dose range

Route of administration

Frequency

Comments

NSAIDs *Prolonged use may result in gastrointestinal, renal or other problems.

Flunixin meglumine (Banamine®)

2.5 mg/kg SC, IM every 12-24 hours

SC, IM

Once every 12-24 hours

Carprofen

5 mg/kg

SC, PO

Once every 24 hours

Oral doses may need to be increased

Ibuprofen (Children’s Advil)

10-30 mg/kg

PO

Once every 4 hours

Ketoprofen (Ketofen®)

5 mg/kg

IM, SC, PO

Once every 24 hours

Oral doses may need to be increased

Meloxicam (Metacam®)

1-2 mg/kg

SC, PO

Once every 12-24 hours

OPIOIDS

Buprenorphine (Buprenex®)

(Controlled)

0.5 mg/kg

SC

Once every 6-8 hours

If mild to moderate pain of increased duration is anticipated

Butorphanol (Torbugesic®, Torbutrol®, Stadol®)

(Controlled)

2 mg/kg

SC

Once every 1-2 hours

If mild pain of short duration is anticipated

Meperidine (Demerol®)

(Controlled)

10-20 mg/kg

or

0.2 mg/ml of Demerol HCl syrup in water

IP, IM

 

 

PO

Once every 2-3 hours

 

Daily in fresh water**

 

Morphine

(Controlled)

10 mg/kg

SC

Once every 2-3 hours

If severe post-operative pain is anticipated

Pentazocine (Talwin®)

(Controlled)

10 mg/kg

SC

Once every 2-4 hours

Mild to moderate pain of short duration; may develop analgesic tolerance with chronic administration

OTHER

Acetaminophen (Tylenol Pediatric Syrup) – analgesic / antipyretic

1-2 mg/ml drinking water made fresh daily

PO

Daily in fresh water**

May be appropriate for procedures causing mild discomfort only

**Rodents may exhibit “neophobia” – always monitor for acceptance when adding medications to water or food. Injectable anesthetics in mice (remember to provide heat to anesthetized rodents).

Drug

Mouse dose range

Route of Administration

Comments

Sodium Pentobarbital (Nembutal®)

30-90 mg/kg

IP

Useful for immobilization, not surgical anesthesia, when used alone.

Ketamine/xylazine

100 mg/kg ketamine +

10 mg/kg xylazine

IP

Anesthesia; only redose with ketamine if needed

Ketamine/midazolam

100 mg/kg ketamine +

5 mg/kg midazolam

IP

Anesthesia; only redose with ketamine if needed

Ketamine/diazepam

100 mg/kg ketamine +

5 mg/kg acepromazine IP

IP

Anesthesia; only redose with ketamine if needed

Tribromoethanol (Avertin®)

 

200-300 mg/kg

Or

0.2 ml per 10g BW of 1.25% solution

IP

Requires storage in lightproof container under refrigeration;

is an irritant, especially at high doses, high concentrations, or with repeated use. Adhesions are sometimes seen in the abdominal cavity after IP injections.

Avertin is no longer commercially available.  Strong Memorial Pharmacy (X5-2379) will prepare Avertin solution for investigators upon request.

Injectable anesthetics in rats (remember to provide heat to anesthetized rodents)

Drug

Rat Dose range

Route of Administration

Comments

Sodium Pentobarbital (Nembutal®)

40-50 mg/kg

IP

Light anesthesia

Ketamine/xylazine

40-80 mg/kg ketamine +

5-10 mg/kg xylazine

IP

Surgical anesthesia

Ketamine/midazolam

75 mg/kg ketamine +

5 mg/kg midazolam

IP

Light anesthesia

Ketamine/diazepam

75 mg/kg ketamine +

5 mg/kg acepromazine

IP

Light anesthesia

Chloral hydrate

300 mg/kg

IP

Dilute as much as possible. Concentrations >2% causes ileitis-peritonitis

Inhalation anesthesia of mice and rats

Drug/agent

                        Usage to anesthetize mice and rats

Isoflurane

Maintain at 1-3% to effect (5% for induction).  If survival surgery, analgesics should be used.  Use precision vaporizer.  DLAM has rodent anesthetic machines available for use for a small fee. Contact DLAM for reservations and questions.

Isoflurane in a jar in  fume hood (no vaporizer)

♦Jar needs a perforated platform in the bottom to prevent animal contact with anesthetic. 

♦Moisten gauze with isoflurane and place it below platform. 

♦After animal is anesthetized, use a nose cone with isoflurane-wetted cotton ball in a beaker /syringe case to sustain anesthesia.  Distance from nose controls depth of anesthesia.  Contact DLAM with any questions or to schedule a training session.

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in Gerbils

Anesthesia in Gerbils

Dose & Route

Telazol (Tiletamine/zolazepam)

60 mg/kg IP (use lower dose for restraint)

Ketamine + xylazine or acepormazine

60-90 mg/kg + 4 - 8 mg/kg or 1-2 mg/kg IP

Ketamine + medetomidine

75 mg/kg + 0.5 mg/kg SQ or IP

Ketamine + medetomidine

40 mg/kg + 0.5 mg/kg SQ or IP

Ketamine + xylazine

50-70 mg/kg + 2 - 3 mg/kg SQ or IP

Ketamine + Diazepam

100 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg SQ or IP

Sodium Pentobarbital

60-90 mg/kg IP.  Recommended to dilute commercial product 1:1 with sterile saline to provide larger margin of safety

Isoflurane

0 - 5 % to effect

Analgesia in Gerbils

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.1 mg/kg SQ every 6 - 8 hours

Flunixin (Banamine)

2.5 - 5.0 mg/kg SQ every 12 - 24 hours.  Five day maximum for treatment

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in the Syrian Hamster

Anesthesia in the Syrian Hamster

Dose & Route

Ketamine + Xylazine

150 - 200 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg IP

Sodium Pentobarbital

60-90 mg/kg IP.  Recommended to dilute commercial product 1:1 with sterile saline to provide larger margin of safety

Isoflurane

0 - 5 % to effect

Analgesia in the Syrian Hamster

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.1 mg/kg SQ every 6 - 8 hours

Flunixin (Banamine)

2.5 - 5.0 mg/kg SQ every 12 - 24 hours.  Five day maximum for treatment

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in Guinea Pigs

Anesthesia in Guinea Pigs

Dose & Route

Ketamine + xylazine

35 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg IP

Ketamine + xylazine

40 - 80 mg/kg + 5 - 10 mg/kg IP

Ketamine + medetomidine

40 mg/kg + 0.5 mg/kg SQ or IP

Sodium Pentobarbital

35 - 45 mg/kg IP

Isoflurane

0 - 5 % to effect

Analgesia in Guinea Pigs

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.05 mg/kg SQ every 6 - 12 hours

Meperidine (Demerol)

10 - 20 mg/kg SQ or IM every 2 - 3 hours

Morphine

2 - 5 mg/kg SQ or IM every 4 hours

Flunixin (Banamine)

2.5 - 5.0 mg/kg every 12 - 24 hours.  Five day maximum for treatment

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in Ferrets

Anesthesia in Ferrets

Dose & Route

Ketamine + Xylazine

25 mg/kg + 2.5 mg/kg IM

Isoflurane

0 - 5 % to effect

Analgesia in Ferrets

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.01 - 0.03 mg/kg SQ, IM or IV every 8 - 12 hours

Butorphanol (Torbugesic)

0.1 – 0.5 mg/kg IM every 12 hours

Flunixin (Banamine)

0.5 – 2.0 mg/kg SQ, IV 12 - 24 hours

Meperidine (Demerol)

5 - 10 mg/kg SQ, IM, IV every 2 - 4 hours

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in Rabbits

Anesthesia in Rabbits

Dose & Route

Ketamine + Xylazine

44 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg SQ* or IM.  SQ is preferred route of administration

Ketamine + Xylazine

35 - 50 mg/kg + 5-10 mg/kg SQ* or IM.  SQ is preferred route of administration

Sodium Pentobarbital

20 - 60 mg/kg IV.  Apnea is common

Fentanyl + Droperidol

0.04 - 0.2 mg/kg + 2-10 mg/kg IM

Fentanyl + Droperidol

(0.4 mg/ml + 20 mg/ml) given at 0.3 – 0.5 ml/kg IM provides anesthesia.  Dosage of 0.125 ml/kg IM provides sedation vasodilatation for easy blood collection from central ear artery.

Acepromazine

0.25 – 0.75 mg/kg IM for blood collection from central ear artery

Isoflurane

0 - 5 % to effect

Analgesia in Rabbits

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.01 - 0.05 mg/kg SQ every 6 -12 hours

Butorphanol (Torbugesic)

0.1 - 0.5 mg/kg SQ, IV, IM every 2 - 4 hours

Flunixin (Banamine)

1 - 2 mg/kg SQ every 12 - 24 hours

Meloxicam (Metacam)

0.2 mg/kg SQ or 0.3 mg/kg PO once a day

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in Cats

Anesthesia in Cats

Dose & Route

Sodium Pentobarbital

25 mg/kg IV calculated dose to effect.  Atropine 0.04 mg/kg IM or IV prevents bradycardia

Ketamine

10 mg/kg IM.  Chemical restraint only for noninvasive procedures or for induction

Ketamine + diazepam

10 mg/kg + 0.5 mg/kg IV (mix together).  Give 50% dose, then give smaller volumes as needed for induction

Ketamine + xylazine

4.6 mg/kg + 0.23 mg/kg IM

Isoflurane

0 - 5 % to effect

Analgesia in Cats

Morphine

0.1 mg/kg SQ every 4 - 6 hours

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.004 - 0.01 mg/kg SQ every 8 -12 hours

Butorphanol (Torbugesic)

0.1 - 0.4 mg/kg SQ every 6 hours

Meloxicam (Metacam)

0.2 mg/kg PO, IV, SQ on Day 1; then 0.1 mg/kg once a day subsequent days

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in Dogs

Anesthesia in Dogs

Dose & Route

Sodium Pentobarbital

25 mg/kg IV calculated dose to effect.  Atropine (0.04 mg/kg IM or IV prevents bradycardia

Ketamine + diazepam

10 mg/kg + 0.5 mg/kg IV – mix together and give 50% dose, then in small increments as needed – for induction

Isoflurane

0 - 5 % to effect

Analgesia in Dogs

Meperidine (Demerol)

2 - 10 mg/kg IM or SQ every 2 - 3 hours

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.01 - 0.04 mg/kg SQ every 8 -12 hours

Flunixin meglumine (Banamine

1 mg/kg IV or IM every 24 hours. Five day maximum treatment

Butorphanol (Torbugesic)

0.2 - 0.4 mg/kg SQ or IM or IV every 2 - 5 hours

Meloxicam (Metacam)

0.2 mg/kg PO, IV, SQ on Day 1; then 0.1 mg/kg once a day for subsequent days

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in NHP

Anesthesia in the NHP

Dose & Route

Sodium Pentobarbital (25 mg/kg)

IV calculated dose given to effect, Atropine (0.04 mg/kg) IM or IV prevents bradycardia.

Ketamine + diazepam

10 - 15 mg/kg + 0.25 - 0.5 mg/kg IM for CHEMICAL RESTRAINT ONLY FOR NONINVASIVE PROCEDURES or FOR INDUCTION

Isoflurane

0 – 5 % to effect

Analgesia in the NHP

Tylenol Pediatric Suspension

10mg/kg orally every 6-12 hours

Meloxicam (Metacam)

0.1 – 0.2 mg/kg IM, PO, SQ once a day (0.2 mg/kg on day one, then 0.1 mg/kg)

Flunixin

1.1 mg/kg IM, SQ every 12 - 24 hours

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.01 – 0.04 mg/kg SQ every 6 -12 hours

Meperidine (Demerol)

2 - 4 mg/kg IM every 8 – 12 hours

Butorphanol (Torbugesic)

0.1 – 0.2 mg/kg IM every 12 - 48 hours

Anesthetics and Analgesics used in Pigs

Anesthesia in Pigs

Dose & Route

Ketamine + Acepromazine

22 mg/kg + 1.1 mg/kg IM

Sodium Pentobarbital

20 mg/kg IV calculated dose given to effect.  Atropine 0.04 mg/kg IM or IM prevents bradycardia

Isoflurane

0 – 5 % to effect

Analgesia in Pigs

Meperidine

2 -10 mg/kg IM or SQ every 2 – 4 hours

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)

0.005 - 0.01 mg/kg SQ every 6 -12 hours

Flunixin meglumine (Banamine)

0.5 – 1.0 mg/kg SQ, IV every 12 - 24 hours. Five day maximum treatment

Butorphanol (Torbugesic)

0.1 – 0.3 mg/kg IM or IV every 8 -12 hours

CRITERIA FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANALGESICS IN LABORATORY ANIMALS

RODENT ANALGESIA ...pain in rodents may be identified by observing the animal's reluctance to move about, eat or drink, weight loss, salivation, hunched posture, piloerection, respiratory sounds (chattering in mice) and by vocalization with handling.

GUINEA PIG AND CHINCHILLAS..pain in guinea pigs and chinchillas may be identified by observing the animal's reluctance to move, vocalization with handling, decreased food and water intake and postural abnormalities.

FERRET ANALGESIA..pain in ferrets may be identified by observing the animal's reluctance to move, spontaneous vocalization or vocalization upon handling, reluctance to eat and drink, avoidance behavior, depression, postural abnormalities, increased respiratory rate and abnormal pattern.

RABBIT ANALGESIA...pain in rabbits may be identified by observing the animal's reluctance to move about, eat or drink, postural abnormalities, increased respiratory rate and/or abnormal pattern and by vocalization with handling.

NONHUMAN PRIMATE ANALGESIA..pain in nonhuman primates may be identified by depression, guarding of painful part, avoidance behavior, spontaneous vocalization or vocalization upon handling, teeth grinding, lying down and getting up repeatedly, abnormal posture, increased respiratory rate and abnormal pattern, reluctance to move or inappetence.

CANINE ANALGESIA..pain in dogs may be identified by depression, guarding of painful part, spontaneous vocalization upon handling, avoidance behavior, recumbency, inappetence, muscle tremors, attraction to painful area (licking, biting, scratching), and abnormal posture.

SWINE ANALGESIA..pain in pigs may be identified by depression, recumbency, vocalization when painful area is manipulated or spontaneous vocalization (eg. grunting), abnormal posture, inappetence, increased respiratory rate and abnormal pattern, lying down and getting up repeatedly and avoidance behavior.

SHEEP/GOATS..pain in sheep and goats may be identified by depression, recumbency, vocalization when painful area is manipulated or spontaneous vocalization, abnormal posture, inappetence, increase respiratory rate and/or abnormal pattern, lying down and getting up repeatedly (especially in ruminants) and avoidance behavior.

FELINE ANALGESIA..pain in cats may be identified by depression, guarding of painful part, spontaneous vocalization or vocalization upon handling, avoidance behavior, loss of appetite, reluctance to move, abnormal posture, muscle tremors, and attraction to area of pain (licking, biting, scratching).

update 9/29/09