Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals Flashcards

Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of adequate anesthetic depth in a mouse?

Answer: Loss of pedal withdrawal reflex

Loss of the pedal withdrawal reflex (toe pinch) indicates surgical anesthetic depth in mice.

What is the primary advantage of using a syringe pump for continuous rate infusion (CRI) of analgesics in laboratory animals?

Answer: It provides steady plasma drug concentrations

CRI via syringe pump maintains consistent plasma drug levels, avoiding peaks and troughs associated with bolus dosing.

A rabbit under isoflurane anesthesia develops apnea. What is the FIRST action the technician should take?

Answer: Reduce the isoflurane concentration

Reducing isoflurane concentration addresses the likely cause (overdose) while maintaining anesthesia.

Which opioid is most commonly used for post-operative analgesia in rodents due to its long duration of action?

Answer: Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine provides 6–12 hours of analgesia in rodents, making it the most practical choice for post-operative pain management.

Which anesthetic agent used in laboratory animals is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States?

Answer: Ketamine

Ketamine is a DEA Schedule III controlled substance, requiring specific record-keeping and storage requirements.

What physiological change is most commonly observed in laboratory animals during hypothermia induced by anesthesia?

Answer: Prolonged anesthetic recovery

Hypothermia slows drug metabolism, leading to prolonged recovery from anesthesia in laboratory animals.

When using a non-rebreathing circuit for a rat weighing 350 g under isoflurane anesthesia, what is the minimum recommended fresh gas flow rate?

Answer: 500 mL/min

Non-rebreathing circuits require at least 500 mL/min (often 0.5–1 L/min) in small rodents to prevent CO2 rebreathing.