Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Endotracheal Intubation Using a Flexible Intubation Endoscope as a Standardized Model for Safe Airway Management in Swine
Published on: August 25, 2022
Effect of 'combing' on intramuscular sedation in pigs in a clinical setting-A randomised trial
Kaitlynn C Ban1, Carolina H Ricco Pereira1, Kirk A Muñoz1
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Background:
Pigs pose distinct challenges to the anaesthetist due to their temperament, the limitations of manual restraint and species-specific anatomical features. Despite the importance of minimising stress during clinical procedures, gentle handling techniques tailored for pigs in a clinical setting have yet to be clearly described or systematically investigated.
Methods:
Sixteen healthy domesticated pigs were prospectively enrolled in a clinical study evaluating 'combing' with a fork as a gentle tactile handling technique in a hospital setting and randomly assigned to either a combing or a control group. Responses were evaluated by a non-blinded, single observer using a seven-domain sedation scale and a dichotomous response scale.
Results:
Sedation scores were significantly higher for combing than control. The onset of peak sedation time was significantly faster for combing than control (5 vs. 10 minutes). Fewer (12.5%) pigs in the combing group moved away from the injection compared to 75% of control pigs.
Limitations:
Limitations included the injectable drug protocol used, the lack of blinding with a single observer aware of group allocation, and more than one individual performing the 'combing' protocol.
Conclusions:
'Combing', a gentle handling technique performed prior to intramuscular sedation, resulted in pigs being less reactive to the injection, and faster sedation onset.
