Anesthesia in swine : optimizing a laboratory model to optimize translational research

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Translational Research
• Animal Models

Background:

• Swine possess cardiorespiratory physiology similar to humans, making them suitable for translational research.
• Ethical approval and stress-free environments are mandatory for animal experiments.
• Swine sensitivity to stress necessitates careful management during housing and experimentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline best practices for using swine as laboratory animals in translational research.
• To provide guidance on anesthesia, surgical considerations, and humane euthanasia for swine.
• To emphasize the importance of ethical protocols and biosecurity in animal research facilities.

Main Methods:

• Anesthesia protocols involving ketamine, propofol, morphine, and rocuronium are detailed.
• Recommendations for endotracheal intubation and airway management are provided.
• Techniques for vascular access (cut-downs, ultrasound-guided) and maintaining normothermia are described.

Main Results:

• Surgical procedures are readily transferable from human to swine models.
• Airway management presents challenges for non-anesthesiologist scientists.
• Humane euthanasia protocols using specific drug combinations are recommended.

Conclusions:

• Swine are excellent laboratory animals for bench-to-bedside research when handled with appropriate knowledge and skills.
• Careful handling, anesthesia, and surgical considerations are key to successful swine research.
• Implementing strict ethical and biosecurity measures is essential for animal welfare and research integrity.