It is important to keep in mind that responses to drugs vary greatly within each species depending on a variety of factors, including exposure to various experimental chemicals and the simultaneous administration of other drugs. Time should always be taken to administer drugs cautiously and to the desired effect before proceeding with any procedure that causes pain. Consultation with the veterinary staff before submitting experimental protocols to the Animal Care and Use Committee for approval often expedites the review process.
Many considerations affect the choice of an anesthetic regimen.
Some examples are listed below. Considerations related to the animal include species and strain, general condition and underlying health problems, age, sex, weight, previous drug exposure, nutritional status, time of day as related to circadian rhythm, and numbers of animals to be anesthetized simultaneously. Investigators should monitor anesthesia closely in each animal and make appropriate modifications in the anesthetic regimen when necessary. An understanding of the anesthetic agents themselves is integral to their success. Inc. All rights reserved.