Division of Laboratory Animal Resources
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Recommended Anesthesia for Some Laboratory Animal Species

Species Inhalant Dose, Route and Notes Injectable Dose, Route and Notes
Mouse Isoflurane 1-4%,
Mask or intubation		 Ketamine/
Dexmedetomidine		 Ketamine/Dexmedetomidine
preparation and dosing
Ketamine/xylazine 90-150  mg/kg BW IP and 5-10 mg/kg BW IP
Rat Isoflurane 1-4%,
Mask or intubation		 Ketamine/
Dexmedetomidine		 Ketamine/Dexmedetomidine
preparation and dosing
Ketamine/xylazine 40-90 mg/kg BW IP and 5-7 mg/kg BW IP
Guinea Pig ** Isoflurane Mask recommended Telazol/xylazine/
butorphanol		 60 mg/kg BW IP and 5 mg/kg BW IP and 0.1 mg/kg BW IP
Gerbil Isoflurane Mask recommended Telazol 60 mg/kg BW IM Telazol
Ketamine/medetomidine 75 mg/kg BW IP and 0.5 mg/kg BW IP
Hamster Isoflurane Mask recommended Ketamine/xylazine
(Syrian Hamster only!!)		 150-200 mg/kg BW ketamine and 10 mg/kg BW xylazine  administer IP
Telazol/xylazine 30 mg/kg BW and 10 mg/kg BW, administer IP
Rabbit Isoflurane 1-4%, Intubation*
Preanesthesia/
induction		 Ketamine/Midazolam 30 mg/kg BW IM ketamine and 0.2 mg/kg BW IM midazolam
Ketamine/medetomidine 25-35 mg/kg BW IM and 0.5 mg/kg BW IM
Sheep Isoflurane 1-4%, Intubation* Ketamine/xylazine 5-10 mg/kg BW IM and 0.2 mg/kg BW IM
Propofol
(For induction only)		 3-7 mg/kg BW IV, administer slowly IV
Cats Isoflurane 1-4%, Intubation* Propofol
(For induction only)		 3-4 mg/kg BW,  administer slowly IV
Ketamine/midazolam 10 mg/kg BW IM and 0.2 mg/kg BW IM
Dogs Isoflurane 1-4%, Intubation* Propofol
(For induction only)		 3-4 mg/kg BW, administer slowly IV
Ketamine/medetomidine Minor procedures only
5-7 mg/kg BW IM and 0.03-0.04 mg/kg BW IM
Ferrets Isoflurane 1-4%, Intubation* Ketamine/xylazine 20-30 mg/kg BW IM and 4-6 mg/kg BW IM
Tiletimine/zolazepam (Telazol) 12-22 mg/kg BW IM
Swine Isoflurane 1-4%, Intubation* Ketamine/xylazine 20 mg/kg BW  IM and 2 mg/kg BW IM
Ketamine/midazolam 10-15 mg/kg BW IM and 0.5-2.0 mg/kg BW IM

Other anesthetics can be used. Please consult with a DLAR veterinarian for further details.

*induction required can be variable - mask or injectable.

**injectable recommended over inhalant.

A Good, Safe Rabbit Pre-Med Anesthesia

It's been found that a great pre-med for rabbits, especially the very young, light weight bunnies is Ketamine/Midazolam vs. Ketamine/Xylazine. 

This cocktail has been found to be better absorbed, less irritating, safe (no respiration/cardio depression), and more appropriate for IM administration in rabbits. 

Rabbits are induced much more smoothly, then weaned onto Isoflurane via mask. The recommended dosage is 30 mg/kg Ketamine + 4 mg/kg Midazolam. 

Ketamine/Dexmedetomidine Preparation and Dosing

Mouse Cocktail #1: Recommended for Shorter Procedures and/or Restraint

  Drug Stock Concentration Volume Used for Cocktail Volume of Cocktail Administered to Mouse Dose Administered to Mouse
Ketamine 100 mg/ml 1.25 ml ---- 75 mg/kg
Dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/ml 2.5 ml ---- 1 mg/kg
Saline Sterile, isotonic 1.25 ml ----  
Combination Total 5 ml 0.1 mg/25 gm IP  


Mouse Cocktail #2: Recommended for Longer Surgical Procedures

  Drug Stock Concentration Volume Used for Cocktail Volume of Cocktail Administered to Mouse Dose Administered to Mouse
Ketamine 100 mg/ml 1.25 ml ---- 75 mg/kg
Dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/ml 2.5 ml ---- 1 mg/kg
Ace promazine 10 mg/ml 0.12 ml ---- 1 mg/kg
Saline Sterile, isotonic 1.13 ml ----  
Combination Total 5 ml 0.1 ml/25 gm IP  

Atipamezole (= Antisedan) Reversal Agent

This anesthetic reversal agent is an alpha-2 antagonist.  It is highly recommended to use with Mouse Cocktail #2.

It is used to reverse the effects of xylazine or dexmedetomidine.

It is recommended to make a 0.25 mg/ml stock solution (from 5 mg/ml solution in purchased bottle).

To make 0.25 mg/ml stock solution, make a 1:20 dilution:  Add 0.5 ml Atipamezole to 9.5 ml sterile water or sterile saline.

Mouse Dosage:  ~1-2.5 mg/kg

Give 0.3 ml SC or IP of 0.25 mg/ml stock solution to 30 gm mouse.

Give 0.2 ml SC or IP of 0.25 mg/ml stock solution to 20 gm mouse.

Rat Cocktail #1

  Drug Stock Concentration Volume Used for Cocktail Volume of Cocktail Administered to Mouse Dose Administered to Mouse
Ketamine 100 mg/ml 0.8 ml ---- 50 mg/kg
Dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/ml 0.8 ml ---- 0.25 mg/kg
Saline Sterile, isotonic 2.4 ml ----  
Combination Total 4 ml 0.25 ml/100 gm IP  


Rat Cocktail #2

  Drug Stock Concentration Volume Used for Cocktail Volume of Cocktail Administered to Mouse Dose Administered to Mouse
Ketamine 100 mg/ml 1.2 ml ---- 75 mg/kg
Dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/ml 0.8 ml ---- 0.25 mg/kg
Saline Sterile, isotonic 2.0 ml ----  
Combination Total 4 ml 0.25 ml/100 gm IP  

Atipamezole (= Antisedan) Reversal Agent

This anesthetic reversal agent is an alpha-2 antagonist.  It is highly recommended to use with Both Rat Cocktails # 1 & 2.  Rats may sleep for 4-5 hours if reversal agent is not administered.

It is used to reverse the effects of xylazine or dexmedetomidine.

It is available as a 5 mg/ml injectable solution. 

It is recommended to make a 0.25 mg/ml stock solution (from 5 mg/ml solution in purchased bottle). 

To make 0.25 mg/ml stock solution, make a 1:20 dilution:  Add 0.5 ml Atipamezole to 9.5 ml sterile water or sterile saline.

Rat Dosage:  1 mg/kg

Give 0.6 ml SC or IP of 0.25 mg/ml stock solution per 150 gm rat.

Note:  SC or IP fluid support following procedure is recommended with use of these cocktails.  Less bladder tone is evident and rats urinate frequently while anesthetized.

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  • New Animal Care and Use Requirements for all UK Investigators
    Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of the Attending Veterinarian 
    In response to the recent AAALAC accreditation site visit, OAV, DLAR and IACUC have made enhancements that are expected to yield improvements in animal welfare, training and reduce instances of noncompliance with regulations, policies and approved protocols.
  • Hart named University Attending Veterinarian
    Cayuse Animal Oversight, Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of the Attending Veterinarian 

    Michael W. Hart, DVM, MS, DACLAM, has been named Attending Veterinarian for the University of Kentucky. Hart previously served as Director of Animal Resources and University Veterinarian at Georgia State University.

  • IACUC Annual Protocols Requirement Change
    Cayuse Animal Oversight, Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of the Attending Veterinarian 

    With the passing of the 21st Century Cures Act and aligning with NIH/PHS Policy, the USDA is no longer requiring annual review of IACUC protocols. Principal investigators (PIs) will not submit information for annual review and approval in the Cayuse system.

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