{"id":2907,"date":"2025-04-29T14:39:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T18:39:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/az.research.umich.edu\/animalcare\/document\/guidelines-anesthesia-and-analgesia-rabbits\/"},"modified":"2025-04-29T14:39:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T18:39:43","slug":"guidelines-anesthesia-and-analgesia-rabbits","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/az.research.umich.edu\/animalcare\/guidelines\/guidelines-anesthesia-and-analgesia-rabbits\/","title":{"rendered":"Guidelines on Anesthesia and Analgesia in Rabbits"},"template":"","categories":[16],"tags":[],"content-type":[39],"topic":[34],"update-type":[],"class_list":["post-2907","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","category-rabbits","content-type-guidelines","topic-anesthesia-and-analgesia"],"acf":{"use_legacy_editor":true,"updated_date":"2025-04-18 00:00:00","update_notice":true,"author":"Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine","summary":"This document has been designed by the ULAM veterinary staff as a guideline for sedation<\/a>, anesthesia<\/a>, and analgesia<\/a> of laboratory rabbits. This is not intended to be an inclusive tutorial on all possible drug combinations that can be used in rabbits. The following guidelines are also general recommendations and consequently do not include reference to specific research associated concerns.\r\n\r\nAll surgical procedures, anesthetics, analgesics, antibiotics or other medications used on animals must be approved by the IACUC<\/a>, described in the animal use protocol, performed by personnel listed on the protocol, and appropriately trained for the surgical procedure. Any techniques or drug protocols deviating from this document must be justified and approved in the IACUC protocol prior to application.","button_links":null,"related_content":[2985,2973,2913,2915,2890],"legacy_path":"guidelines-anesthesia-and-analgesia-rabbits","legacy_node_id":52,"legacy_related_nids":"137, 123, 58, 60, 35, 1048","legacy_content_section":[{"legacy_section_type":"heading","legacy_heading":"Responsibility","legacy_subheading":"","legacy_section_text":"","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"text_area","legacy_heading":"","legacy_subheading":"","legacy_section_text":"
    \r\n \t
  1. Principal Investigator:<\/strong>\u00a0Responsible to ensure appropriate anesthesia and\/or analgesia is provided for all rabbits undergoing potentially painful procedures, including survival surgery, unless otherwise indicated in the relevant approved protocol.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"heading","legacy_heading":"Glossary Definitions","legacy_subheading":"","legacy_section_text":"","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"glossary_terms","legacy_heading":"","legacy_subheading":"","legacy_section_text":"","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":[2405,2404,2393,2446,2503,2519,2609,2690],"legacy_glossary_nids":"1072, 1071, 1060, 1115, 1172, 1189, 1284, 1371","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"heading","legacy_heading":"Procedures","legacy_subheading":"","legacy_section_text":"","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"text_area_with_subheading","legacy_heading":"","legacy_subheading":"1. Prior to Anesthetic\/Analgesic\/Sedative Event","legacy_section_text":"
      \r\n \t
    1. Special considerations when anesthetizing rabbits\r\n
        \r\n \t
      1. Acclimation:<\/strong>\u00a0Animals should be acclimated to their environment for a minimum of 72 hours, habituated to handling, and evaluated for obvious clinical signs of disease prior to anesthesia<\/a>. Non-SPF<\/a> rabbits may be infected with\u00a0Pasteurella multocida<\/em>; underlying lung damage from this pathogen may lead to respiratory arrest under anesthesia.<\/li>\r\n \t
      2. Handling and Restraint:<\/strong>\u00a0Rabbits are easily stressed by handling and induction.\r\n
          \r\n \t
        1. To avoid excessive anxiety in the pre- and post- anesthetic periods, provide an environment devoid of extraneous noise, including loud talking.<\/li>\r\n \t
        2. The amount of restraint and its duration should be kept to the minimum required to accomplish the necessary procedure.<\/li>\r\n \t
        3. To reduce the time of restraint, equipment and reagents should be ready to use prior to handling the animal.<\/li>\r\n \t
        4. Pre-anesthetic doses of sedative\/tranquilizer agents are often used to facilitate immobilization and to reduce anxiety.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
        5. Fasting:<\/strong>\u00a0Rabbits cannot vomit, therefore fasting is not mandatory. They do tend to accumulate food and fluid within the oral cavity and oropharynx. For this reason, a pre-anesthetic fast of 1-4 hours is recommended. Fasting also reduces the overall volume of the gastrointestinal tract thus reducing pressure on the diaphragm while under anesthesia. Fasting for longer periods of time may predispose them to post-operative ileus and may decrease blood glucose levels.<\/li>\r\n \t
        6. Surgical Position:<\/strong>\u00a0Tilting the surgical table so that the rabbit's head is slightly elevated will reduce pressure on the diaphragm. Anesthetizing a rabbit on a level surface is also acceptable, however, caution should be taken to avoid inadvertently elevating the rabbit's hindquarters.<\/li>\r\n \t
        7. Apply sterile non-medicated ophthalmic ointment to the eyes to prevent corneal drying during anesthesia or sedation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"text_area_with_subheading","legacy_heading":"","legacy_subheading":"2. Routes of Administration","legacy_section_text":"
            \r\n \t
          1. More detailed information regarding injection techniques and maximum quantities safely administered to rabbits can be found in\u00a0Guidelines on Administration of Substances to Laboratory Animals<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"text_area_with_subheading","legacy_heading":"","legacy_subheading":"3. Normal Monitoring Parameters","legacy_section_text":"
              \r\n \t
            1. More information on anesthetic\/sedation monitoring requirements can found in\u00a0Anesthesia and Sedation Monitoring Guidelines<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
            2. The goal of monitoring should be to maintain normal cardiac function, respiratory function, and body temperature. Understanding the basic physiologic effects of the anesthetics used is paramount to correctly interpreting monitoring parameters. More information on anesthetic and sedative effects on physiologic parameters can be found in\u00a0Anesthesia and Analgesia Drug Descriptions<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
            3. Table 1: Physiologic Data of Rabbits\r\n<\/strong><\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
              <\/th>\r\nTemperature<\/strong><\/th>\r\nHeart Rate\r\n(beats per minute)<\/strong><\/th>\r\nRespiratory Rate\r\n(breaths per minute)<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
              Without Anesthesia<\/td>\r\n100.4 - 104 F (38 - 40 C)<\/td>\r\n130 - 325<\/td>\r\n30 - 60 in resting rabbit<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
              With Anesthesia<\/td>\r\nT >98 F (>37 C)<\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n20 - 30<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"text_area_with_subheading","legacy_heading":"","legacy_subheading":"4. Physiologic Support","legacy_section_text":"
                \r\n \t
              1. Hypothermia\r\n
                  \r\n \t
                1. An external heat source should be provided during the entire anesthetic and recovery period. For examples of approved external heat supplementation products, please refer to\u00a0Anesthesia and Sedation Monitoring Guidelines<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                2. Fluids\r\n
                    \r\n \t
                  1. Providing fluid support during anesthesia is important particularly if a procedure lasts 30 minutes or more. More information on appropriate fluid rates can be found in Guidelines on the Performance of Surgery in Non-Rodent Mammals<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                  2. Vascular Access\r\n
                      \r\n \t
                    1. The placement of indwelling intravenous catheters is advised. The lateral (marginal) ear veins are easily accessed and the preferred site. The application of lidocaine-prilocaine EMLA\u00ae cream to the ear 30 minutes before venipuncture has been recommended to reduce pain. A tranquilizer or sedative can also be given prior to catheter placement to help decrease the rabbit's stress level. The cephalic and recurrent tarsal veins can also be utilized.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                    2. Airway Access\r\n
                        \r\n \t
                      1. Endotracheal Intubation:\u00a0Several techniques have been devised to simplify the difficult task of endotracheal intubation. The narrow mouth diameter, large tongue, limited range of jaw opening, and prominent incisors make placement of an endotracheal tube challenging.<\/li>\r\n \t
                      2. V-Gel (supraglottic airway device) placement: This device allows easier airway access when compared to endotracheal tubes. However, the V-Gel does not protect the airway from aspiration as effectively as endotracheal intubation, as it is placed over the larynx as opposed to within the trachea . Also, there is a risk of tongue cyanosis.<\/li>\r\n \t
                      3. Please contact the ULAM Training Core to set up a time to learn how to correctly and safely perform endotracheal intubation or V-Gel placement in the rabbit.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"text_area_with_subheading","legacy_heading":"","legacy_subheading":"5. Recovery","legacy_section_text":"
                          \r\n \t
                        1. More information on required monitoring parameters during post-operative recovery can be found in\u00a0Guidelines on the Performance of Surgery in Non-Rodent Mammals<\/a><\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Anesthesia and Sedation Monitoring Guidelines<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
                        2. If a large number of surgeries are being conducted at one time, post-surgical animals may be housed together following anesthesia and prior to full recovery if they are continually observed. This is to ensure that more alert animals do not injure non-responsive cage-mates.<\/li>\r\n \t
                        3. Nutritional support should be withheld until the animal is fully recovered and ambulating normally.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","legacy_media_position":"","legacy_media_file":"","legacy_media_url":"","legacy_glossary_term":"","legacy_glossary_nids":"","legacy_resource":"","legacy_resource_nids":"","legacy_buttons":null},{"legacy_section_type":"text_area_with_subheading","legacy_heading":"","legacy_subheading":"6. Sedation Protocols","legacy_section_text":"
                            \r\n \t
                          1. Detailed information on all approved anesthetics and sedatives can be found in\u00a0Anesthesia and Analgesia Drug Descriptions<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t
                          2. All premedicants and sedatives should be administered 15-20 minutes prior to restraint or induction. Duration of action for sedative-analgesic combinations for use in minor procedures is generally 15-60 minutes depending upon combination used.<\/li>\r\n \t
                          3. The following drug combinations are for use with minor procedures or as premedicants prior to anesthetic induction.\r\n
                              \r\n \t
                            1. For dose ranges listed as IV<\/a>, IM<\/a>, and SC<\/a>, use the lower end of the range for IV administration. All dosages are given in mg\/kg unless otherwise indicated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
                            2. Table 2: Sedation Protocols in Rabbits<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
                              Drug or Combination<\/strong><\/th>\r\nDose (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/th>\r\nRoute<\/strong><\/th>\r\nComments<\/strong><\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
                              Diazepam<\/td>\r\n0.5 - 3<\/td>\r\nIV, IM<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Light to moderate sedation without analgesia.<\/li>\r\n \t
                              • Slow IV administration preferred as painful upon IM injection.<\/li>\r\n \t
                              • Sedation can be reversed with flumazenil (0.01 - 0.1 mg\/kg, IM, IV)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Midazolam<\/td>\r\n0.25 - 2<\/td>\r\nSC, IM, IV, IP<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Light to moderate sedation without analgesia.<\/li>\r\n \t
                              • Sedation can be reversed with flumazenil (0.01 - 0.1 mg\/kg, IM, IV)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Dexmedetomidine\r\n\r\nPREFERRED ALPHA-2 AGONIST<\/td>\r\n0.035 - 0.05<\/td>\r\nSC, IM<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Light to deep sedation with mild to moderate analgesia.<\/li>\r\n \t
                              • Reverse with atipamezole at the same volume as dexmedetomidine (SC, IM, IV).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Xylazine*<\/td>\r\n1 - 5<\/td>\r\nSC, IM<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Light to moderate sedation with mild analgesia.<\/li>\r\n \t
                              • Reverse with yohimbine (0.2 - 1 mg\/kg, IM or IV) or atipamezole (0.1-1 mg\/kg SC, IM, IV).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Buprenorphine<\/td>\r\n0.01 - 0.05<\/td>\r\nSC, IM, IV<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Mild sedation with analgesia.<\/li>\r\n \t
                              • Most effective when administered ~60 minutes prior to anesthesia.<\/li>\r\n \t
                              • May cause respiratory depression.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Butorphanol<\/td>\r\n0.1 - 0.8<\/td>\r\nSC, IM, IV<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Mild sedation with analgesia.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Alfaxalone<\/td>\r\n2.5-6<\/td>\r\nIM<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Moderate sedation up to 40 minutes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Midazolam\r\n+ Butorphanol<\/td>\r\n0.5 - 1\r\n+ 0.2 - 0.5<\/td>\r\nIM<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Mild to moderate sedation with analgesia.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Alfaxalone\r\n+ Midazolam<\/td>\r\n6\r\n+1<\/td>\r\nIM<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Moderate sedation up to 60 minutes (ref 3).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Alfaxalone\r\n+ Dexmedetomidine<\/td>\r\n6\r\n+ 0.2<\/td>\r\nIM<\/td>\r\n\r\n
                                \r\n \t
                              • Deep sedation for up to 2 hours (ref 3).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                              Alfaxalone\r\n+ Dexmedetomidine + Butorphanol<\/td>\r\n6\r\n+ 0.2\r\n+ 0.3<\/td>\r\nIM<\/td>\r\n\r\n