The following list includes only the commonly used anesthetic agents in gerbils.  A list of other anesthetics suitable for specific procedures and additional information about the effects, mode of action, metabolism, and side effects of these agents are available in the CMU office, extension 6555.

INJECTABLE AGENTS:

Ketamine + xylazine + acetylpromazine - Mix 1.5 ml of ketamine (100 mg/ml) with 1.5 ml of xylazine (20 mg/ml) and 0.5 ml of acetylpromazine (10 mg/ml), give 0.5 - 0.7 ml/kg by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.  Intraperitoneal injection MAY also be suitable. COMMENTS: Only suitable for very minor procedures in gerbils; other combinations using ketamine are also more suited for restraint than surgical anesthesia in gerbils.

Telazol - 20-40 mg/kg provide sedation, 60 mg/kg by intramuscular injection provides surgical anesthesia.  COMMENTS: Produces 4-6 hours of anesthesia and prolonged recovery, athetoid movement (involuntary movement of toes, limbs or other body parts) may occur even though the animal is anesthetized, males have more prolonged anesthesia and recovery than females.

Telazol + chloral hydrate – Administer 20 mg/kg of Telazol by intramuscular injection followed by 200 mg/kg of a 5% solution of chloral hydrate by intraperitoneal injection; anesthesia lasts 1 to 2 hours.

INHALANT AGENTS:

Carbon dioxide - Administer in an enclosed container such as a bell jar using bottled CO2, given to effect, optimal concentration is 70% CO2 + 30% O2.  COMMENTS: Generally safe so long as not overdosed, suitable only for very brief procedures – 1 minute or less.

Halothane - Halothane should be administered with a vaporizer.  Anesthesia can be induced with 3 – 5% Halothane and maintained at 1.0 – 1.5% of inspired gas.  COMMENTS:  Rapid induction and changes in levels of anesthesia make Halothane dangerous when used without a vaporizer; waste gases should be scavenged for personal safety reasons; microsomal enzymes are induced to a greater degree than with methoxyflurane; suitable for prolonged procedures when administered with a vaporizer; rapid recovery.

Isoflurane - Administer with a vaporizer. Anesthesia can be induced with 3 – 5% isoflurane and maintained at 1 – 2% of inspired gas.  COMMENTS:  Rapid induction and changes in levels of anesthesia make isoflurane dangerous when used without a vaporizer, waste gases should be scavenged for personal safety reasons; suitable for prolonged procedures when administered with a vaporizer; rapid recovery; can be cardioprotective in some species.