Guidelines for Anesthesia, Analgesia and Tranquilization in Ruminants (Sheep, Goats, Calves)

Anticholinergics

  • Atropine, 0.02-0.08 mg/kg IM, IV, SQ (2); 0.7 mg/kg IM (goats) (1)
  • Scopolamine, 0.03 mg/kg (sheep, goats) (2)

Tranquilizers

  • Diazepam, 1-2 mg/kg IM,IV (1,2); premedication for Ketamine
  • Acepromazine, 0.05-0.1 mg/kg (2)
  • Xylazine*, 0.015-0.3 mg/kg IV, IM (17)
  • Pentobarbitol, 2-4 mg/kg IV (17)

Analgesics/Neuroleptanalgesics

  • Phenylbutazone*, 2-5 mg/kg IV or 4-8 mg/kg PO, every 12 hours (20)
  • Aspirin*, 100 mg/kg PO every 12 hours(20)
  • Buprenorphine, 0.005-0.015 mg/kg IM, SQ , duration 4-12 hours (20)
  • Xylazine**, 0.05-0.20 mg/kg IM, SQ, duration 2-4 hours (20)
  • Butorphenol, 0.2-0.5 mg/kg SQ, IM, duration 2-4 hours (20)
  • Xylazine, 0.01-0.02 mg/kg IV + 0.01-0.02 mg/kg IV Butorphenol (17)

Injectable Anesthetics

  • Pentobarbital, 25-30 mg/kg IV (1), prolonged recovery, not recommended, Thiamyl, Thiopental, 15-25 mg/kg of a 2-4% solution, IV (1); prolonged recovery, not recommended for animals less than 3 months old, Methohexital, 1-6 mg/kg IV; preferred for calves (2)
  • Xylazine, 0.1 mg/kg followed by IM Telazol, 4 mg/kg (17)
  • Ketamine, 10-20 mg/kg IM (1); immobilization at higher doses; for premedication with diazepam, 1-2 mg/kg IV, IM (1)
  • Ketamine, 2-9 mg/kg IV + Diazepam, 1 mg/kg IV or Xylazine 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV (2,9)
  • Xylazine, 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IM followed by Ketamine, 10-15 mg/kg IM (17)
  • Ketamine, 2 mg/kg IV + Xylazine, 2 mg/kg IV + Oxymorphone, 0.075 mg/kg IV (9)
  • Diazepam, 0.1 mg/kg IV, followed by Ketamine, 4.4 mg/kg IV (17)

* May cause gastric ulceration with prolonged use (>10-14 days)
** Ruminants are relatively sensitive to Xylazine. High or repeated doses may cause rumenal stasis and hypoxemia.

General anesthesia of ruminants requires consideration of several potential problems: excessive salivation, rumenal bloat (tympany), and regurgitation. Fasting 24-48 hours prior to anesthesia is recommended in order to reduce the volume of rumen contents. This will minimize both regurgitation and ventilatory compromise due to pressure from the rumen on the diaphragm. The likelihood of regurgitation necessitates a rapid, smooth induction and use of a cuffed endotracheal tube. Positive pressure ventilation during ruminant general anesthesia is strongly advised. Because rumen motility and eructation are depressed after fasting and during anesthesia, the passage of a stomach tube following endotracheal intubation is recommended to prevent rumenal bloat.

When recumbent, ruminants should be positioned with the hindquarters slightly lowered so that abdominal contents are not pushing on the diaphragm. The head should be slightly lowered relative to the chest and neck to facilitate passive drainage of saliva and fluids from the stomach tube without regurgitation. Ruminants are best recovered from general anesthesia in a sternal position with the cuffed endotracheal tube in place.

Investigators who require additional information or assistance are encouraged to contact the DCM Veterinary Service Center.