A new anesthetic agent for use in the gerbil.

Gerbils have been neglected in published reports on anesthesia. This study compared several dosages of Telazol used for anesthesia in the gerbil. Each group of animals injected with Telazol was evaluated for onset and duration of anesthesia and analgesia. Results showed Telazol to be a safe anesthetic and when dosed at 60 mg/kg to be suitable for major surgical procedures. Lower dosages of Telazol, in contrast, provided immobility and analgesia suitable for less nocioceptive and noninvasive experimental manipulations. Dosages of Telazol required for surgical depth of analgesia and anesthesia were accompanied by a prolonged recovery time. Gerbils should be monitored closely to insure a safe recovery when using the higher dosages.