Lidocaine
| Species | Dose | Duration of Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse | 2 mg/kg maximum | <1 hour |
| Rat | 2 mg/kg maximum | < 1 hour |
| Rabbit | 2 mg/kg maximum | <1 hour |
| Ferret | 2 mg/kg maximum | 30-60 minutes |
Bupivacaine
| Species | Dose | Duration of Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse | 2 mg/kg maximum | 2-6 hours |
| Rat | 2 mg/kg maximum | 2-6 hours |
| Rabbit | 2 mg/kg maximum | 4-8 hours |
| Ferret | 2 mg/kg maximum | 3-4 hours |
Opioids should also be used for every surgical procedure. When dosed properly, they are safe and effective. Commonly, buprenorphine and hydromorphone are the two most common opioids used in these small mammals. Up until recently, any use of these two opioids was considered off-label. Luckily for these animals, we have a new product: buprenorphine extended-release injectable suspension.1 It is approved for use in mice, rats, and ferrets and has been used off-label for rabbits.
It is easier to give than hydromorphone because it is a subcutaneous injection and is only given one time with a 72-hour duration. Whenever there is an approved formulation of a drug, the FDA prefers the formulation is considered prior to using non-approved drugs of the same category. Having said that, I can understand those clinics that only use opioids for small mammal on occasion may not want to keep this product in stock, despite its obvious benefits. I have listed dosing for both regular buprenorphine and hydromorphone if that is the case.
Buprenorphine*2
| Species | Dose | Duration of Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse | 0.01-0.02 mg/kg, SC. IP | 6-8 hours | ||
| Rat | 0.01-0.02 mg/kg, SC. IP | 6-12 hours | ||
| Rabbit | 0.01-0.05 mg/kg IM | 8-12 hours | ||
| Ferret | 0.01-0.5 mg/kg IM | 8-12 hours | ||
