Long duration anaesthesia in pigs with an infusion of alfaxalone and dexmedetomidine.

ABSTRACT

Pigs are commonly maintained on total intravenous anaesthesia when used in comparative medical research to study controlled manual ventilation of the lung. In this case study, four pigs were anaesthetised with a total intravenous anaesthetic infusion of alfaxalone and dexmedetomidine for up to 24 h whilst being mechanically ventilated. Cardiovascular parameters, blood gas values and body temperature were minimally affected throughout the anaesthetic period. Additional analgesia is recommended when utilising this drug combination for procedures that involve noxious stimuli.