J Am Assoc Lab Anim
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J Am Assoc Lab Anim · Jan 2009
The effects of fasting and general anesthesia on serum chemistries in KCG miniature pigs.
Investigators are obligated to optimize the perioperative care of experimental animals, but little is known about the effects of anesthesia and surgery on serum chemistries in KCG pigs. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of fasting and surgery under general anesthesia on 27 serum chemistries in KCG miniature pigs to improve management. Crossbred KCG minipigs were used at a mean of 12.3 mo of age (range, 8.6 to 14.9) and 33.4 kg of body weight (range, 24.0 to 40.2). ⋯ In a separate experiment (n = 7), serum glucose and insulin also decreased during the postoperative period after isoflurane anesthesia. These results demonstrate that select serum electrolytes, glucose, and insulin of KCG miniature pigs are altered after general anesthesia. Investigators must be aware of the effects of anesthetic agents on experimental animals to provide optimal care and for interpretation of experimental data.