What is the most convenient method of inducing anesthesia in small rodents?

A variety of inhalant anesthetics are available, but isoflurane is the most commonly used. Isoflurane produces rapid induction and recovery from anesthesia.

What is induction of general anesthesia?

During induction of anaesthesia the blood is taking up anaesthetic selectively and rapidly, and the resulting loss of volume in the alveoli leads to a flow of anaesthetic into the lungs that is independent of respiratory activity.

How do you anesthetize a rat?

Inhaled Anesthetics: Isoflurane is the preferred inhaled anesthetic. It has rapid and reliable onset and recovery. A. Inhalation anesthesia may be delivered by the drop jar method, or by induction chamber, facemask, or endotracheal tube using a precision vaporizer.

Which drugs is used for induction of anesthesia?

Propofol, etomidate, and ketamine are the intravenous (IV) sedative-hypnotic agents commonly used to induce general anesthesia (table 1), while adjuvant agents (eg, opioids, lidocaine, midazolam) are often used to supplement the effects of the primary sedative-hypnotic induction agent (table 2).

What is the minimum interval that a should a rat be monitored after surgery?

Post-procedure observations should be recorded daily for a minimum of 3 days (and must be done in accordance with the approved IACUC protocol), counting the day of surgery as day zero, and include at least the following: Observation of the comfort level of the animal.

How can I sedate a rat at home?

The only humane way to euthanize a rat at home without veterinary help is with carbon dioxide (CO2). Euthanasia with CO2 is approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Concentrated CO2 is a central nervous system depressant and actually causes anesthesia.

Should rats be fasted before anesthesia?

Pre-anesthetic fasting is usually not necessary in rodents. If pre-anesthetic fasting is required: The fasting period must be limited to 2-3 hours and no longer due to the higher metabolism in rats.

Can rats have lidocaine?

The below tables contain the volumes per weight to be injected using Lidocaine at a concentration of 2% and Bupivacaine at a concentration of 0.5% for RATS and 1% Lidocaine and 0.25% Bupivacaine for MICE. If different concentrations of the drugs are used the volume must be adjusted accordingly.

Will my rat survive surgery?

If all proper pre- and post-operative care is provided, these patients typically recover quite well. Even rats with coexisting health problems, such as respiratory disease and or congestive heart failure, appear to tolerate surgery well if their symptoms are controlled in advance with appropriate medications.