Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Institute for Animal Studies
Recommended Methods of
Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Euthanasia
for Laboratory Animal Species
Note: The following list has been compiled from a variety of sources and includes dosages which
have been reported to be effective for each species. Doses may vary with species, strain, and other
variables. In general, the lower end of a dose range should be attempted before moving to the
higher end of the range. This list does not cover all species and certainly does not cover all
effective agents or methods. Please consult one of the references listed at the end of this document
or one of the Institute for Animal Studies veterinarians if this list does not meet your needs.
ANEST-ED.DOC 1/12/99
MICE
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (4)
Abbreviations:
Drug(s) or Method
Dose (mg/kg)
Route
atropine
acetylpromazine
"
diazepam
ketamine (+/- acetylpromazine)
"
pentobarbital (6-10 mg/ml; to effect)
ketamine / xylazine
ketamine-xylazine mix (1)
ketamine / acetylpromazine
ketamine / xylazine / acetylpromazine
ketamine-xylazine-acetylpromazine mix
(2)
tribromoethanol, 1.2 - 2.5% (3)
"
1.25% (3)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
butorphanol (q 2-8 hr)
buprenorphine (q 6-12 hr)
Meperidine
carbon dioxide (to effect)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
cervical dislocation
decapitation (under anesthesia)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
0.02-0.05
0.75
2-5
5
44
100
25-90
200/10
0.1 ml/20g BW
22-100 / 0.75-2.5
30-100 / 2.5-6 / 1-2.5
0.1 ml/20g BW
125-300
0.2 ml/10g BW
0.5-4%
0.5-3%
1-4%
0.001-5.5
0.03-2.5
3-12
100%
> 120
SC,IM,IV,IP
IM
IP
IP
IM*,IP
IP
IP,IV
IM*/IP
IM*, IP
IM*
SC,IM*
SC,IM*
IP
IP
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
IM, SC
SC,IM,IP
IP, SC
inhalant
IV,IP
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
BW = body weight
q = every
OD = overdose
*IM injection may cause significant inflammation; recommended for terminal procedures
(1) ketamine-xylazine mix (combine and DILUTE 1:4 with saline):
10 ml ketamine (@100mg/ml) + 1.5ml xylazine (@100mg/ml)
(2) ketamine-xylazine-acetylpromazine mix (combine and DILUTE 1:10 with saline):
1.5ml ketamine (@100mg/ml) + 1.5ml xylazine (@20mg/ml) + 0.5ml acetylpromazine ( @10mg/ml)
(3) unstable; can be associated with peritonitis and mortality
(4) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
RATS
Drug(s) or Method
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (4)
Abbreviations:
Atropine
ketamine (dilute to 10mg/ml)
Pentobarbital
Acetylpromazine
Diazepam
Xylazine
ketamine (dilute to 10mg/ml)
ketamine / Xylazine
ketamine-xylazine mix (1)
ketamine / xylazine / acetylpromazine
ketamine-xylazine-acetylpromazine mix (2)
ketamine / diazepam
pentobarbital (dilute to 6mg/ml)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
(3)
isoflurane (to effect)
chilling (neonatal: 1-3 days of age)
Butorphanol
buprenorphine (q 8-12 hr)
meperidine (q 2-3 hr)
"
carbon dioxide (to effect)
Pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
cervical dislocation (< 200g)
decapitation (under anesthesia)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
Dose (mg/kg)
Route
0.02-0.05
20-44
up to 20
5
2.5
13
40-160
80-100 / 10-20
0.1 ml/100g BW
30 / 6 / 1
0.5-0.7 ml/kg BW
20-80 / 5-10
30-60
0.5-3%
0.5-4%
1-5%
SC,IM,IV
IP, IM*
IP
IM, SC
IP
IM
IM*, IP, IV
IP,IM*
IP,IM*
SC,IM*
SC,IM*
IP
IP, IV
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
topical
IM, SC
SC
SC,IM
IV,IP,IM
inhalant
IV,IP
inhalant
0.04-23.3
0.1-2
10-20
3-5
100%
>120
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
BW = body weight
q = every
*IM injection may cause significant inflammation; recommended for terminal procedures
(1) ketamine-xylazine mix: 10 ml ketamine (@100mg/ml) + 1.5ml xylazine (@100mg/ml)
(2) ketamine-xylazine-acetylpromazine mix:
1.5ml ketamine (@100mg/ml) + 1.5ml xylazine (@20mg/ml) + 0.5ml acetylpromazine (@10mg/ml)
(3) may be contraindicated in F344 rats
(4) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Ins titute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
HAMSTERS
Drug(s) or Method
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (2)
Abbreviations:
atropine
ketamine (dilute to 10mg/ml)
acetylpromazine
diazepam
"
pentobarbital (dilute to 6-10 mg/ml)
ketamine
ketamine / xylazine
ketamine / acetylpromazine
ketamine / xylazine / acetylpromazine
ketamine-xylazine-acetylpromazine mix (1)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
butorphanol (q 4-12 hr)
buprenorphine (q 8-12 hr)
meperidine
pentobarbital
carbon dioxide (to effect)
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
decapitation (under anesthesia)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
Dose (mg/kg)
Route
0.02-0.05
40-100
0.5
0.5
5.0
35-90
40-200
80-200 / 7-10
150 / 5
30 / 6 / 1
0.05 ml/100g BW
0.5-4%
0.5-4%
1-3%
0.125-2
0.005-2
2
> 120
100%
IM
IM*,IP
IM
IM
IP
IP
IP
IP, IM*
IM*
SC,IM*
SC,IM*
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
IM, SC
SC
IM, SC
IV,IP
inhalant
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
BW = body weight
q = every
OD = overdose
*IM injection may cause significant inflammation; recommended for terminal procedures
(1) ketamine-xylazine-acetylpromazine:
1.5ml ketamine (@100mg/ml) + 1.5ml xylazine (@20mg/ml) + 0.5ml acetylpromazine (@10mg/ml)
(2) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
GERBILS
Drug(s) or Method
Anticholinergic
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (1)
Abbreviations:
atropine
ketamine / xylazine
pentobarbital (dilute to 6-10 mg/ml)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
butorphanol (q 6-8 hr)
buprenorphine (q 6-8 hr)
carbon dioxide (to effect)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
cervical dislocation (< 200g)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
decapitation (under anesthesia)
Dose (mg/kg)
Route
0.04
50 / 2
35-100
0.5-4%
0.5-1%
1-4%
25-50
0.1-0.2
100%
> 120
IM,SC
IM*
IP
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
IM,SC
SC
inhalant
IV,IP
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
q = every
OD = overdose
*IM injection may cause significant inflammation; recommended for terminal procedures
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
GUINEA PIGS
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (2)
Abbreviations:
Drug(s) or Method
atropine
ketamine
pentobarbital
ketamine
ketamine / acetylpromazine
ketamine / diazepam
ketamine / xylazine
ketamine-xylazine-acetylpromazine mix (1)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
butorphanol (q 8-12 hr)
butorphanol (q 6-8 hr)
buprenorphine (q 6-12 hr)
pentobarbital
carbon dioxide (to effect)
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
decapitation (under anesthesia)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
Dose (mg/kg)
0.02-0.05
22-100
25-40
35-200
125 / 5
60-100 / 5-8
40-100 / 4-5
0.5-0.7 ml/kg BW
0.5-5%
0.5-4%
2-5%
0.3-0.4
25-50
0.025-0.3
> 120
100%
Route
SC,IM,IV
IM
IV,IP
IM, IP
IM
IM
IM / IM or SC
IM,SC
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
IM,SC
IM,SC
SC,IM
IV,IP
inhalant
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
BW = body weight
q = every
OD = overdose
*IM injection may cause significant inflammation; recommended for terminal procedures
(1) ketamine-xylazine-acetylpromazine:
1.5ml ketamine (@100mg/ml) + 1.5ml xylazine (@20mg/ml) + 0.5ml acetylpromazine (@10mg/ml)
(2) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
RABBITS
Drug(s) or Method
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (3)
Abbreviations:
atropine
(1)
glycopyrrolate
acetylpromazine
ketamine
xylazine
diazepam
"
ketamine / xylazine
(2)
"
/
"
ketamine / acetylpromazine
ketamine / diazepam
pentobarbital (to effect)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
phenylbutazone
butorphanol (q 6-8 hr)
buprenorphine (q 8-12 hr)
meperidine (as needed)
"
(in drinking water)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
carbon dioxide (neonates; to effect)
cervical dislocation (< 1 kg)
decapitation (under anesthesia)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
Dose (mg/kg)
0.2-2.0
0.1
0.5-10
15-50
3-6
5-10
1-2
35-50 / 5-10
10 / 3
30-75/ 0.75-5
25-35 / 5-10
20-45
0.5-5%
0.25-3%
1-5%
10-100
0.01-4.25
0.005-0.8
5-10
0.2 mg/ml
> 100
100%
Route
SC,IM,IV
IM
IM,SC
IM,SC
IV, IM
IM
IV
IM
IV
IM
IM
IV
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
IV
IM, IV, SC
IV, SC
IM
PO
IV
inhalant
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
PO = orally
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) some rabbits have atropinase which may affect efficacy
(2) may be contraindicated in New Zealand Black rabbits
(3) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
CATS
Drug(s) or Method
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (1)
Abbreviations:
atropine
acetylpromazine
"
ketamine
tiletamine-zolazepam
ketamine
ketamine / acetylpromazine
"
/
"
ketamine / xylazine
pentobarbital (to effect)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
butorphanol (q 1-12 hr)
buprenorphine (q 6-12 hr)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
carbon dioxide (neonates; to effect)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
Dose (mg/kg)
0.02-0.05
0.1-0.25
2
10
9-12
10-30
22-30 / 0.1-0.5
2-4 / 0.1
15-20 / 1
20-40
0.5-4%
1-4%
1-5%
0.1-1
0.005-0.01
> 100
100%
Route
SC,IM,IV
IM,IV,SC
PO
SC,IM
SC,IM
IM
IM
IV
IM / IM,SC
IV
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
IM,IV,SC
SC,IV,IM
IV
inhalant
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
PO = orally
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
DOGS
Drug(s) or Method
Anticholinergic
atropine
glycopyrrolate
Dose (mg/kg)
0.02-0.05
0.02
Route
SC,IM,IV
IM,SC
Sedative
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (1)
Abbreviations:
acetylpromazine
"
diazepam
pentobarbital (to effect)
thiopental (to effect)
thiamylal (to effect)
ketamine / xylazine
"
/
"
ketamine / diazepam (to effect)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
phenylbutazone (q 8-12 hr, max 800mg/day)
aspirin (q 6-24 hr)
butorphanol (q 1-12 hr)
buprenorphine (q 4-8 hr)
meperidine
flunixin meglumine (q 24 hr, max 5 days)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
carbon dioxide (neonates; to effect)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
KCl (under anesthesia, to effect)
0.1-1 (max 3mg)
2
0.2-0.6
15-35
10-30
9-18
5 / 1-2
10 / 2-4
7-11 / 0.4-0.5
0.5-4%
0.25-4%
1.5-4%
10-25
10-40
0.2-2
0.005-0.05
2-4
0.5-1
> 100
100%
IM,SC,IV
PO
IV
IV
IV
IV
IV / IV,IM
IM
IV
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
PO
PO
IM,IV,SC
SC,IV,IM
IM,SC
IV
IV
inhalant
inhalant
IV
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
PO = orally
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
FERRETS
Drug(s) or Method
Anticholinergic
Sedative
atropine
acetylpromazine
diazepam
Dose (mg/kg)
0.02-0.05
0.2-0.5
1-2
Route
SC,IM,IV
IM,SC
IM
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (1)
Abbreviations:
ketamine
ketamine / xylazine
ketamine / acetylpromazine
ketamine / diazepam
pentobarbital
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
flunixin meglumine (q 12-24 hr)
butorphanol (q 6-12 hr)
buprenorphine (q 8-12 hr)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
carbon dioxide (neonates; to effect)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
25-40
20-30 / 1-4
25-35 / 0.2-0.3
25-35 / 2-3
25-30
0.5-4%
0.25-3%
2-5%
0.5-2
0.025-0.8
0.005-0.1
> 100
100%
IM
IM,SC
IM,SC
IM
IV
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
SC,IV
IM,SC
IV,IM,SC
IV
inhalant
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
PRIMATES
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
Drug(s) or Method
atropine
glycopyrrolate
ketamine
acetylpromazine
xylazine (1)
diazepam
ketamine
" (squirrel monkey)
ketamine / acetylpromazine
ketamine / xylazine
Dose (mg/kg)
0.04-0.1
0.005-0.01
5-15
0.05-1
0.5-2.0
1
10-25
25-30
11 / 0.5
7-10 / 0.25-2
Route
SC,IM,IV
IM
IM,IV
IM,SC
IM
IM, IV
IM
IM
IM
IM
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (3)
Abbreviations:
ketamine / diazepam
pentobarbital (2)
thiamylal
thiopental
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
butorphanol (q 6-8 hr)
buprenorphine (q 8-12 hr)
flunixin meglumine (q 8-24 hr)
acetaminophen (q 6-12 hr)
aspirin (q 6-12 hr)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
carbon dioxide (small or neonatal)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
15 / 1
20-30
15-30
15-20
0.5-4%
0.25-4%
1-5%
0.01-0.5
0.005-1.0
1-3
10-100
12.5-20
> 100
100%
IM
IV
IV
IV
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
IM, SC
IM, IV,SC
IM
PO
PO
IV
inhalant
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
PO = orally
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) Erythrocebus spp may require higher dose
(2) grivets (Cercopithecus aethiops) require lower doses of barbiturates
(3) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
SHEEP / GOATS
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
Drug(s) or Method
atropine
acetylpromazine
"
diazepam
"
xylazine
ketamine
"
ketamine
Dose (mg/kg)
0.02-0.05
0.05-0.2
0.02-0.05
0.5-2
1
0.05-0.3
2
20
10
Route
IM
IM
IV
IM
IV
IM
IV
IM
IV
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (1)
Abbreviations:
"
thiopental
thiamylal
pentobarbital
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
isoflurane (to effect)
phenylbutazone (q 24 hr)
buprenorphine (q 4-24 hr)
butorphanol (q 6-8 hr)
flunixin meglumine (q 24 hr)
meperidine (q 12-24)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
KCl (under anesthesia, to effect)
20-30
25
10-30
20-30
0.25-3%
0.5-3%
2-5%
1
0.005
0.005-0.0125
1
2-10
> 100
100%
IM
IV
IV
IV
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
PO
IM
IM
IV
IM
IV
inhalant
IV
IM = intramuscular
IV = intravenous
PO = orally
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
SWINE
Drug(s) or Method
Anticholinergic
Sedative
Anesthetic
atropine
acetylpromazine
xylazine
ketamine
diazepam
"
pentobarbital (to effect) (1)
ketamine
ketamine / xylazine
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
Dose (mg/kg)
0.04-0.1
0.2-1.0 (max 15mg)
2
10
0.5-10
0.44-2
15-40
10-33
5-20 / 1-2
0.25-3%
0.5-3%
Route
IM
IM
IM
IM
IM
IV
IV
IM
IM
inhalant
inhalant
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (2)
Abbreviations:
isoflurane (to effect)
phenylbutazone (q 24 hr)
"
butorphanol (q 3-4 hr)
buprenorphine (q 12 hr)
meperidine (q 4 hr)
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
carbon dioxide (neonates; to effect)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
2-5%
4-8
2-5
0.05-2
0.1-2
2-10
> 100
100%
inhalant
PO
IV
SC, IV
IM
IM
IV
inhalant
inhalant
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
PO = orally
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) use lower dose if >45kg BW
(2) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
BIRDS
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (1)
Abbreviations:
Drug(s) or Method
isoflurane (to effect)
halothane (to effect)
methoxyflurane (to effect)
buprenorphine (q 12 hr)
butorphanol (q 6-8 hr)
"
pentobarbital
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
carbon dioxide (to effect)
cervical dislocation
decapitation (under anesthesia)
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
IM = intramuscular
Dose (mg/kg)
0.25-5%
0.5-3%
1-3%
0.005-0.05
0.1
0.4-0.8
> 100
100%
Route
inhalant
inhalant
inhalant
SC,IM
IV
SC
IV,IP+E209
inhalant
inhalant
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
REPTILES
Anticholinergic
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (1)
Drug(s) or Method
atropine
glycopyrrolate
ketamine (lizard)
thiopental (lizard)
pentobarbital (lizard)
tiletamine-zolazepam (lizard)
isoflurane (induce in jar or with ketamine)
halothane (induce in jar or with ketamine)
flunixin meglumine (q 24-72 hr)
meperidine (q 12-24 hr)
buprenorphine (q 24-48 hr)
pentobarbital
carbon dioxide (to effect)
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
double pithing
decapitation (under anesthesia)
Dose (mg/kg)
0.01-0.02
0.01
20-40
11-15
22-30
10-30
1-3%
1-3%
0.5-1
5-10
0.005-0.02
> 100
100%
Route
SC, IM
SC, IM
IM
IP
IM
IM
inhalant
inhalant
IM
SC, IM
IM
IV,IP
inhalant
inhalant
exsanguination (under anesthesia)
Abbreviations:
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
q = every
OD = overdose
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
AMPHIBIANS
Drug(s) or Method
Sedative
Anesthetic
Analgesic
Euthanasia
ketamine
tricaine methanesulfonate (larvae,
newts)"
(frogs,
salamanders)
"
(toads)
"
(sterile) (frogs)
benzocaine
(larvae)
"
(frogs,
salamanders)
isoflurane
halothane
buprenorphine (leopard frog)
meperidine
(leopard frog)
pentobarbital
carbon dioxide (to effect)
inhalant anesthetic OD (to effect)
tricaine methanesulfonate OD (to effect)
benzocaine OD (to effect)
Dose (mg/kg)
50-150
200-500 mg/L
500mg-2 g/L
up to 3 g/L
100-400
50 mg/L
200-300 mg/L
4-5%
4-5%
99.1 nM/g
128.1 nM/g
> 100
100%
Route
SC,IM
immersion
immersion
immersion
IP
immersion
immersion
inhalant
inhalant
SC
SC
IV,IP
inhalant
inhalant
immersion
immersion
Conditionally double pithing
Acceptable (1) decapitation (under anesthesia)
Abbreviations:
IM = intramuscular
SC = subcutaneous
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
BW = body weight
OD = overdose
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
FISH
Sedative
Anesthetic
Euthanasia
Conditionally
Acceptable (1)
Abbreviations:
Drug(s) or Method
tricaine methanesulfonate
benzocaine
(immerse head/gills; maintain by
spray or drip on buccal surface)
tricaine methanesulfonate (not in salt water)
ketamine
etomidate
metomidate
pentobarbital
tricaine methanesulfonate OD (to effect)
benzocaine OD (to effect)
decapitation (under anesthesia)
IM = intramuscular
IV = intravenous
IP = intraperitoneal
OD = overdose
Dose (mg/kg)
50 mg/L
25-50 mg/L
Route
immersion
immersion
100 mg/L
14-18
2-4 mg/L
2.5-5 mg/L
>100
1-3 g/L
100 mg/L
immersion
IM
immersion
immersion
IV,IP
immersion
immersion
(1) scientific justification needed; must be considered and approved by Animal Institute Committee;
may be acceptable if used in combination with other methods and/or under anesthesia
Some Common Drug Names
acetaminophen
acetylpromazine
tribromoethanol
buprenorphine
butorphanol
diazepam
fentanyl/droperidol
flunixin meglumine
halothane
isoflurane
ketamine
meperidine
methohexital sodium
methoxyflurane
nalbuphine
oxymorphone
pentazocine
pentobarbital
phenylbutazone
thiamylal
thiopental
tiletamine-zolazepam
tribromoethanol
tricaine methanesulfonate
xylazine
Tylenol®
Acepromazine®
Avertin®
Buprenex®
Torbutrol®
Valium®
Innovar-Vet®
Banamine®
Fluothane®
Aerrane®, Isoflo®
Vetalar®, Ketaset®
Demerol®
Brevital®
Metofane®
Nubain®
Numorphan®
Talwin®
Nembutal®
Butazoldin®
Surital®
Pentothal®
Telazol®
Avertin®
MS-222, Finquel®
Rompun®
References
Major References:
Kohn, DE, SK Wixson, WJ White, and GJ Benson, Eds. (1997). Anesthesia and Analgesia in
Laboratory Animals. American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Series, Academic Press,
San Diego.
Flecknell, PA (1987). Laboratory Animal Anesthesia. Academic Press, Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, London.
Hawk, CT and SL Leary (1995). Formulary for Laboratory Animals. Iowa State University Press,
Ames.
AVMA Panel on Euthanasia (1993). 1993 report of the AVMA panel on euthanasia. Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association 202(2):229-249.
Additional References:
Close, B, K Banister, V Baumans, et al. (1997) Recommendations for euthanasia of experimental
animals: Part 2. Laboratory Animals 31:1-32.
Spikes, SE, SL Hoogstraten-Miller, GF Miller (1996). Comparison of five anesthetic agents
administered intraperitoneally in the laboratory rat. Contemporary Topics 35:53-56.
Hubbell, JAE, WW Muir (1996). Evaluation of a survey of the diplomates of the American
College of Laboratory Animal Medicine on use of analgesic agents in animals used for biomedical
research. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 209(5):918-921.
Hansen, BD (1994). Analgesic therapy. The Compendium (Small Animal) 868-873.
Rush, HG (1996). Interpretive study of the report of the AVMA panel on euthanasia.
Contemporary Topics 35(2):42-44.
Danneman, PJ and TD Mandrell (1996). Evaluation of six anesthetic regimens in neonatal rats.
Contemporary Topics 35(4):60.