Chemical Restraint for Miniature Pigs

Atropine

0.02–0.05 mg/kg, SC, IM, or IV

Anesthesia adjunct for increasing heart rate and decreasing GI and respiratory secretions

Isoflurane or sevoflurane

4%–5% for anesthetic induction or to effect, and 1%–3% for maintenance

Especially for pigs < 8 wk old or for sick or debilitated patients

Dexmedetomidine (DE), midazolam (MI), and butorphanol (B)

0.01–0.04 mg/kg DE + 0.1–0.3 mg/kg MI + 0.2–0.4 mg/kg B; all IM

Smooth induction and recovery; can reverse if needed

Ketamine (K), xylazine (X), and butorphanol (B)

5–10 mg/kg K + 2 mg/kg X + 0.22 mg/kg B; all IM

Butorphanol enhances analgesia