Anathetics

Standard Euthanasia Methods

CRITERIA FOR EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia of animals is expected if animals demonstrate the conditions listed below, whether the animal has been manipulated or not. Additional criteria may be specified on the Animal Usage Form. Fulfillment of one criterion can constitute grounds for euthanasia. Exceptions are permitted only if approved by the IACUC as part of the protocol review process (i.e. the clinical signs listed below are expected as part of the experiment and appropriate measures are taken to minimize pain or discomfort in the animals).

Anesthetic Induction and Maintenance

Injectable Anesthesia
Anesthetic induction using injectable anesthetics is fairly simple. It involves admininsistration of the drug and monitoring the depth of anesthesia. Supportive care may be needed. Maintenance of injectable anesthesia can be through repeated bolus doses of the drug or through a constant infusion. Infusion rates are calculated based on the clearance time of the drug. Bolus dosing is simpler. Typically, 1/2 of the original dose is given for repeat doses.

Guidelines for Using Avertin® (2,2,2 Tribromoethanol)

Avertin^® is a non-pharmaceutical grade compound. The use of non-pharmaceutical grade compounds is regulated by the federal USDA Animal Welfare Act, the rules of which are applied to all vertebrate research animals at the University of Minnesota. Prior to using Avertin^®, scientific justification must be reviewed and approved by the University IACUC.

ANESTHETIC DRUG COMBINATIONS

In general, by mixing anesthetic and analgesic drugs, the dose required for each individual drug is reduced, sometimes quite dramatically. Start at the low end of the dose range listed; you can always give more if needed! Drugs not listed below can be mixed using the same concepts, mix a sedative or hypnotic with an analgesic. Do not mix drugs in the syringe until you have determined that they are compatible when mixed. If in doubt administer separately.

Injectable Anesthetics, Analgesics and Sedatives

General

Some of the drugs listed here do not possess all three criteria for an anesthetic and must be used in combinations to achieve full anesthesia or may be administered individually for restraint, sedation or analgesia. Dosages for specific animals are linked from RAR's formulary. Often injectable drugs are used in combinations. These drugs tend to have synergistic effects. Mixing them can significantly reduce the dosage needed for any individual drug.

As with inhalation anesthesia, injectables are given to effect. Dosages listed are guidelines. Effects may vary among individuals. If a drug is scheduled by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, licenses are required to purchase them, and written records must be kept of their use.

Guidelines for the Use of Anesthetics, Analgesics and Tranquilizers in Laboratory Animals

Anesthesia is a state of unconsciousness induced in an animal. The three components of anesthesia are analgesia (pain relief), amnesia (loss of memory) and immobilization. The drugs used to achieve anesthesia usually have varying effects in each of these areas. Some drugs may be used individually to achieve all three. Others have only analgesic or sedative properties and may be used individually for these purposes or in combination with other drugs to achieve full anesthesia.