The University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Department of Comparative Medicine

Paralytic Agents

The use of paralytic agents generally is discouraged and is not permitted without the use of appropriate analgesics or anesthetics if the animal will experience pain or significant distress or discomfort. It is recognized that their use for certain surgical procedures has merit. Therefore, if such agents must be used, written justification must be provided. The protocol must specifically note, in detail, how an appropriate level of anesthesia will be maintained throughout the time that the animal is under the influence of the paralytic agent.