Chapter 2 - Anaesthetic and analgesic agents

Abstract

The selection of the most appropriate anaesthetic and analgesic regimen is important both for the quality of scientific data that will be obtained from a study, and for the welfare of the animals that will be used. It is important that the anaesthetic and analgesic agents to be used are considered together, so that the most effective regimens are implemented. An integrated approach such as this is rarely apparent in the materials and methods section in publications using animal models, or in protocols used previously in research institutions. Although published data using similar models can be a good starting point for developing an anaesthetic protocol, methods used in previous publications may be out-dated and not have considered all the anaesthetic and analgesic options available. Anaesthetic and analgesic protocols should be regularly reviewed, just as we would review our other research methods and procedures. This chapter provides a brief description of some of the anaesthetics and analgesics available for use in laboratory species and includes references that provide more detailed information on the individual agents.