Analgesia and Anesthesia Information for Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Pain Recognition
Rodents in pain usually exhibit decreased exploratory behavior, piloerection, hunched posture, rough and ungroomed hair coat and ungroomed appearance. It must be emphasized that these signs are also associated with illness. Consult Veterinary Services for evaluation. Other clinical signs of pain may include:
- excessive scratching and licking
- more aggressive when handled
- vocalization when handled
- weight loss
- porphyrin tearing (rats)
- twitching of the back and flank (following laparotomy)
- mutilation of painful area
Physiologic parameters
| Body temperature | 36.5-38.0° C |
| Heart rate | 325-780/min | Respiratory rate | 94-163/min |
| Tidal volume | 0.09-0.23 ml |
Syrian or golden hamster is very resistant to morphine - no sedation or hypnotic effects.
Syrian or golden hamster has an increased tolerance to pentobarbital.
Analgesia and Anesthesia Dosages
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