Abstract PR519: Evaluation of Alfaxalone As A Premedication Agent And Intravenous Anaesthetic in Pigs

Background & Objectives: Pigs have been sedated with various combinations of dissociative anaesthetics (ketamine), tranquilizers (such as azaperone) and α2-agonists (such as medetomidine)(Santos et al. 2016). Alfaxalone is a neuroactive steroid compound that enhances the action of the GABAA receptor to induce general anesthesia and muscle relaxation and has been administered both IV and IM in pigs (Keates 2003; Santos et al. 2016). Unlike ketamine or opioids, outside the United States alfaxalone is not a scheduled drug and may offer a convenient alternative for anesthesia in pigs.