Euthanasia

2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia
http://www.avma.org/resources/euthanasia.pdf

Guidelines for Tranquilizers & Analgesics/Anesthetics

The appropriate use of analgesics, tranquilizers, and anesthetic agents to prevent pain, distress, and suffering in research animals is mandated by Public Law 89-544 (Animal Welfare Act) and its amendments, PHS policy, and institutional policies. Assistance in selecting suitable agents, dosages, and routes of administration can be obtained from the veterinary staff in LAS. Some general recommendations for anesthetic and analgesic agents and doses are listed below. Specific information can be obtained from the LAS veterinary staff at ext. 1-3421.

Management of Pain and Distress

Pain and distress greater than that induced by injections or simple percutaneous blood sampling should be relieved by the use of anesthetics and/or analgesics. The use of ether is prohibited.

The following charts describe the commonly used anesthetics and analgesics at MCG. You must have a DEA License to purchase controlled drugs (barbiturates, valium, butorphanol, buprenorphine, morphine, etc.) Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled drug as of August 12, 1999.  Paralytic agents (pancuronium, succinylcholine, etc.) are not analgesics and must be used in combination with anesthetics during painful procedures. Animals must be monitored for changes in heart rate and blood pressure parameters to insure adequate levels of anesthesia.

The veterinary staff welcomes your questions regarding the use of new/different anesthetic agents for your procedures and can be reached at ext. 1-3421.

Routes of Administration
IM = Intramuscular
IV = Intraveneous
IP = Intraperitoneal
SC or SQ = Subcutaneous
PO = Per Os (Oral)

 

Anesthetic Cocktails

(Xylazine/Ketamine combinations)

Species

Concentration of mixture

(mg/ml)

Dosage

(mg/kg BW ) *

Dose and Route

(unit of BW) *
 

ketamine

xylazine

acepromazine

ketamine

xylazine

acepromazine

  

Cat

Ferret

50.0

7.1

2.1

11.2

1.6

0.5

Cat - 1ml/10 lbs IM

Ferret - 1ml/14.5kg

Dog

50.0

7.1

2.1

3.7

0.5

0.2

1ml/30 lbs IV

1ml/14.0kg

Goat

Sheep

47.6

4.8

4.8

1.8

0.2

0.2

1ml/ 60 lbs IV

1ml/28kg

Mouse

Gerbil

30.0

4.0

---

120-240

16-32

---

Mouse - 0.1-0.2ml/25gm IP

Gerbil - 0.3-0.6ml 75gm IP

Pig

Mini Pig

83.3

16.7

---

10.4

2.1

---

1 ml/ 8 kg IM

Rabbit

42.9

8.5

1.4

28.6

5.7

1.0

1ml / 1.5 kg IM

Rat

Guinea Pig

Hamster

60.0

8.0

---

24-48

3.2-6.4

---

Rat - 0.1-0.2ml/250gm IP

G.P. - 0.2-0.4ml/500gm IP,IM

Hamster - 0.05-0.1ml/125gm IP, IM

* BW = Body Weight

Mouse Anesthesia

Anesthetic

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
Mouse Cocktail

(Ketamine, Xylazine)

 Ketamine 30mg/ml

Xylazine 4mg/ml

 0.1-0.2ml/25 gm

IM, IP

 3-5 minutes 30-40 minutes
Isoflurane

(need precision vaporizer to deliver the agent)

 induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until disconnected
Halothane

(need precision vaporizer to deliver the agent)

 induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until disconnected
Medetomidine* + Ketamine Medetomidine 1mg/ml

Ketamine 100mg/ml

 M - 1 mg/kg IM

K = 75mg/kg

 2 minutes 30 minutes
Mouse Cocktail

(Ketamine, Xylazine)

 Ketamine 30mg and

Xylazine 4mg per ml of mouse cocktail

 0.1-0.2ml/25 gm IP 3-5 minutes 30-40 minutes
Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 50mg/kg IP

(40-90 range)

1.25mg/25gm

 5 minutes 30 minutes
Rat Cocktail (double strength mouse cocktail) Ketamine 60mg/ml and

Xylazine 8mg per ml of rat cocktail

 0.05-0.1ml/25 gm

IP, IM

 3-5 minutes 30-40 minutes

*can be reversed with atipamezole (1mg/kg SC, IP or IV)

Mouse Analgesics

Analgesic

Brand Name

Concentration

Dose and Route

Frequency
Acetaminophen Tylenol

tablets & liquid

various concentrations

 300mg/kg PO

700mg/25g PO

every 4 hrs
Aspirin Various

tablets & liquid

baby aspirin = 125mg

adult = 325mg

 120mg/kg PO

every 4 hrs
Buprenorphine Buprenex

0.3mg/ml

 0.05-2.0mg/kg SC, IP

0.00125-0.0600mg/25g SC

every 8-12 hrs
Butorphanol Torbugesic

10mg/ml

 1-5mg/kg SC

every 6 hrs
Codeine/Tylenol elixir Various

120mg acetaminophen

12 mg codeine

in 5ml elixir

 1ml/ 100 ml drinking PO H20

every 6 hrs
Nalbuphine Nubain

10mg/ml

 4-8mg/kg IM, SC

0.1-0.2mg/25g IM

every 4 hrs

Rat Anesthesia

Anesthesia

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
Rat Cocktail

(Ketamine, Xylazine)

 Ketamine 60mg and

Xylazine 8mg per ml of cocktail

 0.1-0.2ml/250g IM, IP 3-5 minutes 30-40 minutes
Isoflurane

(need precision vaporizer to deliver the agent)
induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until disconnected
Halothane

(need precision vaporizer to deliver the agent)
induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until disconnected
Medetomidine* + Fentanyl

(combination)

 M = 1mg/ml

F = 50µ gm/ml

 300mg/kg IP

300µ gm/kg IP

 2 minutes 30 minutes
Medetomidine* + Ketamine M = 1mg/ml

K = 100mg/ml

 0.5 mg/kg IM, SC

75mg/kg IP

 2 minutes 30 minutes
Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 30 mg/kg (7.5mg/250mg)

50mg/kg (10.5mg/250mg)

 5 minutes

5 minutes

 90 minutes

120 minutes
Telazol

(tiletamine + zolazepam)

 tiletamine 50mg/ml zolazepam 50mg/ml (1:1) 20mg/kg IP, IM

5mg/250g IP, IM

 3-5 minutes 30-60 minutes
Inactin (EMTU - ethylmalonythiourea) 100mg/ml saline

10% solution

 80mg/kg IP

20mg/250gm IP

 3-5 minutes 3-4 hrs

*can be reversed with atipamezole (1mg/kg SQ ,IP or IV)

Rat Analgesics

Analgesic

Brand Name

Concentration

Dose and Route

Frequency
Acetaminophen Tylenol

Tablets or liquid

 110-300mg/kg PO

25-75mg/250g)

every 4 hrs
Aspirin Various

Tablets or liquid

baby = 125mg/tablet

adult = 325mg/tablet

 100mg/kg PO

2.5mg/250g)

every 4 hrs
Buprenorphine Buprenex

0.3mg/ml

 0.1-1.5 mg/kg SC, IP

0.025-0.1mg/250g

every 6-12 hrs
Butorphanol Torbugesic

10mg/ml

 0.05-2 mg/kg SC

0.012-0.5mg/250g

every 4 hrs
Nalbuphine Nubain

10mg/ml

 1-2mg/kg IM

0.25-0.5mg/250g

every 4 hrs
Buprenorphine Jello Recipe for rodent analgesia

Feed Jello without the drug to get the animals accustomed to the Jello.

 Synapse Volume 25 #3, September 1992, pp36-37

1. Decide on the dose (0.1-0.5 mg/kg) is recommended. (0.025-0.10mg/250g)

2 Determine dosage. Plan on one ml volume of Jello per average weight of rat, thus, for example, 0.33 ml Buprenex per 0.66ml of jello/250g rat.

3. Making enough Jello for twice daily dosing for up to 4 days. Strawberry seems to be the favorite.

4. Follow the Jello recipe up to the part where you dissolve the Jello in hot liquid. Reduce the volume of cold water by the volume of Buprenex you will be adding first. Add the cold H2O. Wait until mixture is less than 90F before adding Buprenorphine. Pour into ice cube trays @ 4 ml/section. Freeze and administer 1 cube/4 rats twice daily.

5. Dose by giving 1/4 of a 4 ml cube per rat. place on cage floor on top of rodent food.

Rabbit Anesthesia

Anesthesia

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
Rabbit Cocktail

(ketamine, xylazine and acepromazine)

 42.8mg/ml

1.4mg/ml

8.5mg/ml

 1ml/1.5kg IM 5-10 minutes 30 minutes
Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 28mg/kg IV 1-2 minutes 30-45 minutes
Isoflurane

(need precision vaporizer to deliver the agent)
induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until discontinued
Halothane

(need precision vaporizer to deliver the agent)
induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until discontinued
Ketamine

(sedative not analgesic)

 100mg/ml 44mg/kg IM

15-20mg/kg IV

 5-10 minutes 20 minutes
Ketamine and Diazepam

Valium (Diazepam)

 100mg/ml

10mg/ml

 K: 25mg/kg IM

D: 5mg/kg IM

 5-10 minutes 20-30 minutes

Anti-Cholinergic drugs For Rabbits **

Drug

Concentration

Dose and Route

    
Atropine 0.5mg/ml 0.2-1mg/kg SC, IM   **Not an anesthetic/analgesic
Glycopyrrolate 0.2mg/ml 0.1-0.2mg/kg SC, IM   **Not an anesthetic/analgesic

Rabbit Analgesics

Analgesic

Brand Name

Concentration

Dose and Route

Frequency
Buprenorphine Buprenex 0.3mg/ml 0.01-0.05mg/kg

SC, IM, IV

 every 8-12 hrs
Butorphanol Torbugesic 10mg/ml 0.05-2.0mg/kg

SC, IM

 every 4 hrs
Nalbuphine Nubain 10mg/ml 1-2mg/kg

IM, SC, IV

 every 4-5 hrs

Canine Anesthesia

Anesthesia

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
Dog cocktail

(RAAK) *

(ketamine, xylazine, acepromazine, atropine)

 ketamine 50mg/ml

xylazine 7.1mg/ml (Rompun)

acepromazine 2mg/ml

atropine 0.1mg/ml

 Dog: 1ml/30lb IV

1ml/14kg

 1-5 minutes 30-45 minutes
Thiopental (Pentothal) 4% (40mg/ml) 5-15mg/kg IV <1min. 5-10minutes
Isoflurane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 3-5 minutes Until disconnected
Halothane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 3-5 minutes Until disconnected
Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 20-30mg/kg IV 1-3 minutes 40 minutes

(supplement as needed)

RAAK * {Rompun (Xylazine)

{Atropine
{Acepromazine
{Ketamine

Canine Analgesics

Analgesic

Brand Name

Concentration

Dose and Route

Frequency
Aspirin Various Adult = 325mg/tablet 10-25mg/kg PO every 8-12 hrs
Buprenorphine Buprenex 0.3mg/ml 0.01-0.02mg/kg SC, IM every 8-12 hrs
Butorphanol Torbugesic 10mg/ml 0.2-1.2mg/kg SC, IM

0.05-0.2mg/kg IV

 every 2-5 hrs
Ketoprofen Orudis

Ketofen

 50mg/tablet

100mg/ml

 1mg/kg PO, IV every 24 hrs
Nalbuphine Nubain 10mg/ml 0.5-2.0mg/kg

SC, IM, IV

 every 3-8 hrs
Phenylbutazone Butazolidin 100mg/tablet 15-22mg/kg PO

**not to exceed 800mg/day

 every 8-12 hrs
Rimadyl Carprofen various sizes 1mg/lb PO

2.2mg/kg

 every 12 hrs
Fentanyl patch

(sustained analgesia)

 25µ gm patch for dogs <10kg,

50µ gm patch for dogs 10-20kg

75µ gm patch for dogs 20-30kg

100 µ gm patch for dogs >30kg.

 Shave an area on the dorsal neck and

apply the patch. Cover with vetwrap.

*Apply patch 24 hr prior to surgery to reach steady state.

Remove patch 3-5 days after date of

application.

Feline Anesthesia

Anesthesia

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
RAAK ketamine 50mg/ml

xylazine 7.1mg/ml

acepromazine 2mg/ml

atropine 0.1mg/ml

 1cc/10lb IM 5-10 minutes 30-45 minutes
Isoflurane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 3-5 minutes Until disconnected
Halothane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 3-5 minutes Until disconnected
Ketamine +

Xylazine

 60 mg/ml

8 mg/ml

 0.1ml/lb IM 3-5 minutes 60 minutes
Pentobarbital 65 mg/ml 30mg/kg IV 3 minutes 30-60 minutes

Feline Analgesics

Analgesic

Brand Name

Concentration

Dose and Route

Frequency
Buprenorphine Buprenex 0.3mg/ml 0.005-0.01mg/kg SC, IM every 12 hrs
Butorphanol Torbugesic 10mg/ml 0.1-0.4mg/kg SC, IM every 6 hrs
Fentanyl patch

(sustained analgesia)

 Uncover 1/2 to 2/3 of a 25µ gm patch

Do not cut the patch as this alters the release rate.

 Applied to the shaven thorax. Use a small amount of super glue to each corner to help adhesion. No bandage is required. You should apply the patch 3-4 hours prior to surgery. The patch is then removed 3-5 days later. Studies show steady serum levels that last at least 104 hours. Do not use heating pads because this will

increase absorption.
Aspirin baby aspirin 125gm/tablet 10mg/kg PO every 48-72 hrs

(may cause serious side effects if given more frequently)

 

Primate Anesthesia

(Species dependent)

Anesthesia

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
Isoflurane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 3-5 minutes Until disconnected
Halothane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 3-5 minutes Until disconnected
Ketamine 100mg/ml 10-15mg/kg IM 3-5 minutes 15-30 minutes
Ketamine + Acepromazine K: 100mg/ml

A: 10mg/ml

 K: 10mg/kg IM

A: 0.5-1.0mg/kg IM

 3-5 minutes 15-45 minutes

(sedation)
Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 5-15mg/kg IV 1-3 minutes 30-45 minutes
Thiopental (Pentothal) 4% (40mg/kg) 15-20mg/kg IV 1-3 minutes 15-30 minutes
Telazol tiletamine 50mg/ml

zolazepam (1:1) 50mg/ml

 2-6mg/kg IM, IV 5-12 minutes 30 minutes
 

PRIMATE ANALGESIC

Analgesic

Brand Name

Concentration

Dose and Route

Frequency
Buprenorphine Buprenex 0.3mg/ml

0.01 mg/kg IM, IV

 every 12 hrs
Nalbuphine Nubain 10mg/ml

2.5-5mg/kg IM

 every 3-4 hrs

Swine Anesthesia

Anesthesia

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
Isoflurane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until disconnected
Halothane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until disconnected
Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 25-35mg/kg IV 2-5 minutes 30 minutes
Pig Cocktail

(may add acepromazine 1mg/kg)

 Ketamine 83.3mg/ml

Xylazine 16.67mg/ml

 1ml/8kg IM

(3ml/50lbs)

 5-10 minutes 30-45 minutes
Telazol/Xylazine

(mix in same syringe)

 Xylazine 100 mg/ml

Telazol 100mg/ml

 2 mg/kg IM Xylazine

5 mg/kg IM Telazol

 2-5 minutes 20-30 minutes
Thiopental (Pentothal) 4% 40mg/ml 24-30mg/kg IV 2 minutes 15 minutes

Swine Analgesics

Analgesic

Brand Name

  

Dose and Route

Frequency
Aspirin Various 325 mg/tablet 10-20mg/kg PO every 4 hrs
Buprenorphine Buprenex 0.3mg/ml 0.005-0.01mg/kg

IM, IV

 every 12 hrs
Butorphanol Torbugesic 10mg/mg 0.1-0.3mg/kg

SC, IM, IV

 every 2-5 hrs
Nalbuphine Nubain 10mg/ml 1-2mg/kg SC, IM every 8 hrs

Sheep/Goat Anesthesia

Anesthesia

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
Goat Cocktail Ketamine 47.6/ml

Xylazine 4.8mg/ml

Acepromazine 4.8mg/ml

 1ml/60lbs IM 5-10 minutes 30-45 minutes
Isoflurane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until disconnected
Halothane induction 4-5%

maintenance 1-2%

 Inhalation 2-3 minutes until disconnected
Ketamine/Valium combination 100mg/ml Ketamine

10 mg/ml Valium

 K: 4 mg/kg IV

V: 0.5-1.0 mg/kg IV

 2 minutes For induction and intubation
Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 25-30mg/kg IV 2 minutes 30-40 minutes
Thiopental (Pentothal) 4% 40mg/ml 20mg /kg IV 2 minutes 15 minutes

Sheep/Goat Analgesics

Analgesic

Brand Name

Concentration

Dose and Route

Frequency
Aspirin Various 325mg/tablet 100mg/kg PO every 12 hrs
Buprenorphine Buprenex 0.3mg/kg 0.005-0.01.5 SC, IM every 12 hrs
Butorphanol Torbugesic 10mg/ml 0.5mg/kg SC every 4 hrs
Nalbuphine Nubain 10mg/ml 1mg/kg SC, IM every 8 hrs

Miscellaneous Species

Species

Anesthesia

Concentration

Dose and Route

Onset

Duration of Surgical Anesthesia
Gerbil

70-100g BW

 Mouse cocktail

ketamine/xylazine

 K: 30mg/ml

X: 4.0mg/ml

 0.3-0.6ml/75g IM 3-5 minutes 15-30 minutes
Gerbil Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 40-90mg/kg IP 3-5 minutes 30-50 minutes
Hamster

110-140g BW

 Rat cocktail

ketamine/xylazine

 K: 60mg/ml

X: 8mg/ml

 0.05-0.1ml/125g IP 3-5 minutes 15-30 minutes
Hamster Pentobarbital 65mg/ml 60-90mg/kg IP 3-5 minutes 60-75 minutes
Guinea Pig

500-1000g BW

 Rat cocktail

ketamine/xylazine

 K: 60mg/ml

X: 8mg/ml

 0.2-0.4ml SC, IM

500g BW

 3-5 minutes 15-30 minutes
Guinea Pig Isoflurane 1-4% inhalation 1-2 minutes until disconnected
Guinea Pig Pentobarbital 65mg /ml 35-45mg/kg IP 3-5 minutes 30-60 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

Revised October 22, 2008 .  Please send comments, suggestions or questions about this page to Jenny Whitlock, jwhitloc@mcg.edu .