IACUC Learning Module - Swine

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Swine Anesthesia Appendix

Swine are used in various experimental projects which involve some type of anesthetic procedure. Special problems with anesthesia in swine include: limited access to veins and superficial arteries, difficult endotracheal intubation, risk of malignant hyperthermia, severe hypotension, and apnea (cessation of breathing).

Preanesthetic preparation should include withholding feed, at least 12 hours, and withholding water, at least 4-12 hours before anesthesia. Each pig should be evaluated before induction of anesthesia; at a minimum, this evaluation should include: rectal temperature, pulse, respiration rate, auscultation of the lung fields and assessment of general health and attitude (i.e., normal alert versus depressed and quiet). If extensive surgical procedures will be part of the project, discuss with the veterinarian the need for additional preoperative testing such as hematology (PCV, TP, differential).

 

Drug or Drug Combination	Dosage & Administration Technique
Anticholinergics
Atropine	0.04 - 0.09 mg/kg, IM
Tranquilizers or Sedatives
Acepromazine	0.2 - 1.1 mg/kg, IM or IV
Diazepam (Valium)	0.5 - 1.5 mg/kg, IV (CONTROLLED DRUG-NEED D.E.A. LICENSE)
Analgesics
Aspirin	10 - 20 mg/kg, PO every 4 hrs.
Buprenorphine	0.005 - 0.01 mg/kg, SQ, IM or IV every 12 hours (CONTROLLED DRUG-NEED D.E.A. LICENSE)
Butorphanol	0.1- 0.3 mg/kg, SQ, IM or IV every 2 - 5 hours
Meperidine (Demerol)	4 - 10 mg/kg, IM or SQ every 2 - 4 hours (CONTROLLED DRUG-NEED D.E.A. LICENSE)
Phenylbutazone	4 mg/kg, IV
Injectable Anesthetics
Ketamine	20 - 33 mg/kg, IM (minor procedures, restraint)
Ketamine/ Acepromazine	22 mg/kg Ketamine + 1.1 mg/kg Acepromazine in same syringe, IM
Ketamine/Xylazine	20 mg/kg Ketamine + 2 mg/kg Xylazine in same syringe, IM
Pentobarbital, (Na)	To effect, about 10 - 30 mg/kg, IV (Risk of apnea: use a ventilator)
Xylazine/ Ketamine/ Oxymorphone	4 mg/kg Xylazine + 4 mg/kg Ketamine in same syringe, IM 0.15 mg/kg Oxymorphone, IM (CONTROLLED DRUG-D.E.A. LICENSE)
Thiopental	To effect, about 6 - 12 mg/kg, IV (Risk of apnea: use a ventilator)
Telazol	6 mg/kg, IM (short term anesthesia for minor procedures)
Telazol/Xylazine	2.2 mg/kg Xylazine, IM, wait 5 minutes, then give 6.6 mg/kg Telazol, IM. OR 1.1 mg/kg Xylazine + 4.4 mg/kg Telazol in same syringe, IV (Produces rapid recumbency and anesthesia. Will have prolonged recovery, but can give an antagonist, Yohimbine, to decrease recovery time. Duration of surgical plane of anesthesia is 20 to 30 minutes. Must provide an oxygen source and moniter oxygenation of tissues.)
"Triple Drip"	In 5% glucose, mix 500 mls Guaifenesen + 500 mg Ketamine + 500 mg Xylazine. Run the drip at a rate to deliver: 0.45 ml/kg, IV
Reversal Agents
Doxapram (Respiratory Stimulant)	5 - 10 mg/kg, IV. (May increase epinephrine release; therefore, wait for approximately 10 minutes after discontinuation of halothane or enflurane before giving Doxapram).
Yohimbine	0.1 - 0.15 mg/kg, IV. (Good antagonist for Xylazine)

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