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Anesthetizing a mouse using ketamine xylazine

This information is provided as an example protocol. Always be sure that IACUC or ethic committee approval is in place before beginning any experimental protocol.

Cocktail

  • Ketamine 250 µL (100 mg/mL)
  • Xylazine 50 µL (100 mg/mL)
  • PBS 700 µL

Protocol

Mice should be injected with ~60-70 µL of this solution IP as an initial dosing. Mice should be weighed prior to cocktail administration in order to ensure the proper dose is given. The effective dose of these drugs in mice is: 

  • ~60 mg/kg of Ketamine
  • ~12 mg/kg of Xylazine

For rats, the effective dose of these drugs is:

  • ~60-80 mg/kg of Ketamine
  • ~10-20 mg/kg of Xylazine

Be sure to weigh each animal prior to dosing. Overdosing can occur if animals are not properly weighed.

Dosing

Animals can be injected once daily with a full dose of Ketamine/Xylazine cocktail. This dose should maintain anesthesia for approximately 1 hour. If additional doses need to be administered within 24 hours of the initial dose, those doses should be ½ doses or less to minimize the potential of overdose.

Disclaimer

The protocols provided above are for informational purposes only and are intended solely for research purposes only. These protocols do not constitute medical advice and must not be used or interpreted as such. Consult a qualified veterinarian or researcher for specific guidance on animal anesthesia techniques. Revvity assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, losses, or damages resulting from the use or misuse of the provided protocols or the mouse anesthesia system. The protocols are provided on an "as is" basis without warranties of any kind. Users are solely responsible for complying with all relevant laws, regulations, and institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) guidelines in their use of the anesthesia system and the provided protocols.