Body temperature = 36.5-38.0oC
Heart rate = 325-780/min
Respiratory rate = 94-163/min
Tidal volume = 0.09-0.23 ml
The use of chloroform as an anesthetic agent is discouraged. Chloroform can cause renal tubular calcification and/or necrosis, particularly in male mice; DBA/2 strain most susceptible.
Avertin is made by mixing equal amounts of tribromyl ethyl alcohol and tertiary amyl alcohol (2.5% dilution). If Avertin is improperly prepared or stored in the light, it will break down into dibromoacetic acid and hydrobromic acid, which can be lethal in 24 hours. Freshly mixed solutions are strongly recommended for safe use. The solution can be kept as long as 4 months if it is stored in the dark at 4 degrees C. The solution should be tested to ensure that it has a pH >5.
The therapeutic dose for carbon dioxide is close to the lethal dose; very short acting. Concurrent administration of 10-50% O2 is recommended.
** Best for minor surgery procedures only.
Atropine 0.02-0.05 mg/kg IM
Diazepam, C-IV (Valium®) 5 mg/kg IP
Ketamine, C-III (Ketaset®, Vetalar®) 22-44 mg/kg IM
Telazol®, C-III (for restraint) 100-160 mg/kg IM IP
Carbon dioxide* + 10-50% O2 To effect IH
Medetomidine (Dormitor®) 30-100 µg/kg SQ
Sodium Pentobarbital, C-II 50-90 mg/kg IP
Ketamine**, C-III 50-200 mg/kg IP
40-60 mg/kg IM
Avertin (Tribromoethanol) 125-250 mg/kg IP
0.02 ml/g (1.2% solution)
Ketamine/Medetomidine:
Ketamine 75 mg/kg IP +
Medetomidine 1 mg/kg IP
Reversal agent for Medetomidine: atipamezole 1 mg/kg SC, IM, or IV
Ketamine/Xylazine:
Add 7 mg xylazine to 35 mg 70-80 mg/kg IM IP
ketamine (dose based on ketamine)
Halothane (Fluothane®) To effect IH
Isoflurane To effect IH
Morphine, C-II 5-10 mg/kg q2-4h SC IP
Butorphanol tartrate (Torbugesic®), C-IV 2.5-5 mg/kg q1-2h SC
Buprenorphine, C-V 2 mg/kg q12h SC IP
Oxymorphone, C-II 0.15 mg/kg q4h IM
Ketorolac 0.7-10 mg/kg q24h PO