Analgesics- Mouse
The detection of pain perception in individual rodents is based on subjective evaluation of behavioral
and attitudinal changes as well as on objective analysis of physiologic parameters. Behavioral signs
indicative of pain perception include reluctance to move, abnormal posturing, decreased appetite,
vocalization, anxiety, apprehension, hypersensitivity, depression, aggression and polyphagia of bedding.
In addition to behavioral changes physiological signs of pain perception include fluctuation in blood
pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and food and water consumption resulting in
changes in body weight. Their behavioral, attitudinal, and physiological signs of pain perception are
currently the best methods available to detect individual rodents that are in some degree of pain as well
as to assess the success/failure of ongoing analgesic therapy.
For analgesic treatment in mice nonsterodial anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids are most
commonly used. While NSAIDs such as acetaminophen, aspirin, carprofen, diclofenac, flunixin,
ibuprofen, paracetamol and piroxicam are primarily indicated for the treatment of low to moderate
intensity inflammatory pain, opioids are used to combat moderate to severe pain.
Analgesics may be administered to mice either parenterally or orally. Oral formulas are available for
morphine, butorphanol, oxycodone, codeine, and meperidine. However, when adding drugs to drinking
water the risks include inaccurate dosing, lack of consumption due to palatability, and degradation of
the agent over time due to hydrolysis.
This information is intended to aid investigators in designing an analgesic protocol for a group of mice.
Drug name
Dose (mg/kg)
Route of
administration
Acepromazine Maleate
Acepromazine Maleate
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen
Aspirin
Aspirin
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine
Butorphanol
Butorphanol
Butorphanol
Carprofen
Codeine
Codeine
Diclofenac
Fentanyl
1-2
2-5
300
1-2 mg/mL
20
120
0.05-.1
2.5
0.05-5
5.4
1-2
5
20
60-90
8
0.0125-1
IM
IP
IP, PO
Drinking water
SC
PO
SC
IP
SC
SC
IM
SC, PO
SC
PO
PO
IP
Flunixin
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen
ketoprofen
meloxicam
meperidine
Morphine
Oxymorphone
Paracetamol
Piroxicam
2.5
7.5
30
10
1-2
20
25
0.2-.5
300
3
SC
PO
PO
SC
SC, IP
SC, IM
SC
SC, IM
PO
PO