Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and side effects of alfaxalone administered intramuscularly (IM) as a sedative agent in guinea pigs undergoing survey radiographs. Study designProspective clinical trial. AnimalsA total of 30 client-owned guinea pigs. MethodsFollowing baseline assessments, 5 mg kg−1 alfaxalone was administered IM. Heart rate, arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, rectal body temperature, palpebral reflex, response to toe and ear pinch, righting reflex, posture, jaw tone and reaction to manipulation were assessed before and after sedation at 5-minute intervals. The time elapsed from onset of sedation to return of locomotion and coordinated limb movements, the quality of recovery and the occurrence of undesired effects were observed and recorded. ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation onset of sedation was 2.7 ± 0.6 minutes. The physiological variables remained within normal ranges until completion of the procedure. Palpebral reflex and responsiveness to both ear and toe pinch were maintained during sedation. Neither hypoxaemia nor hypothermia was observed. The duration of sedation was 29.3 ± 3.2 minutes. Sedation and recovery were uneventful, and adverse effects were not observed. Conclusions and clinical relevanceIn conclusion, 5 mg kg−1 of IM alfaxalone represents a valuable sedation protocol for healthy guinea pigs undergoing minor noninvasive procedures. Further trials are required to investigate its cardiovascular effects, clinical usefulness in unhealthy patients and its combined use with analgesics for procedures associated with nociception.
Highlights
Radiographic examination is an important diagnostic method to identify dental, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital conditions that are common in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) (Zwingerberger & Silverman 2009; Fischetti 2012)
All the guinea pigs showed a reaction to IM injection of alfaxalone, characterized by twitches of the lumbar muscles and attempts to fight physical restraint
Heart rate significantly increased after IM alfaxalone compared to baseline, and there was a statistically significant difference between the values recorded at T0 and all the other time points except T15 (p
Summary
Radiographic examination is an important diagnostic method to identify dental, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital conditions that are common in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) (Zwingerberger & Silverman 2009; Fischetti 2012). In order to obtain high-quality diagnostic images, sedation is frequently required to achieve immobility. Several drug combinations have been used to anaesthetize or sedate laboratory guinea pigs (Dang et al 2008; Schmitz et al 2016). There is a paucity of literature regarding the anaesthetic management of these small rodents in a clinical context. Short-term inhalational anaesthesia with either isoflurane or sevoflurane, as well as injectable anaesthesia achieved with α-2 agonists and ketamine, alone or in combination, have both been described to obtain diagnostic imaging in rodents and small mammals Benzodiazepines result in effective sedation and immobility, but have no analgesic properties and animals can be aroused by nociceptive stimulation or noises
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