Standard Operating Procedures - pigs
Oral dosing
Ref Code: PIG16
Category
Teaching - 2
Research - 4
Objective
To deliver appropriate solutions via the mouth or oesophagus of very young pigs.
Alternatives to animal use for teaching
Practice on stillborn piglets may be useful.
Details of procedure
1. Oral: Use a proprietary pump or syringe to deliver small volumes (<5mL) to the back of the tongue. Restrain the pig by holding aloft, usually around the head and neck. Ensure that the piglet swallows, and does not inhale the medication.
2. Stomach tube: Firm (non-kinking) yet flexible tubing is required. Restrain the pig by holding aloft, usually around the head and neck. Estimate the length of tube required to reach the stomach by measuring against the pig’s body. Pass the tube over the back of the tongue and gently force the tube into the oesophageal opening. This entry can be gauged by observing a swallowing action as the tube is passed, the ease at which the tube is passed and the length of tube that can be easily passed. (Though tubing passes easily down the trachea it is impeded at about the level of the base of the heart.) Connect the tube to a syringe and slowly administer the fluid. Volumes administered should not exceed 15mL. When the fluid is injected, kink the tube and remove it slowly.
Drugs, chemicals, or biological agents
Dependant on what the piglet is to be dosed with. The use of chemicals is controlled in NSW by the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 and the Stock Medicines Act 1989.
Impact of procedure on the wellbeing of animal(s)
Nil
Reuse and repeated use
Procedures should only be carried out twice per animal.
Care of animal(s) during/after procedure
Ensure the tube is passed down the oesophagus and not the trachea. Observe animals for ten minutes after tubing.
Pain relief measures
Nil
Qualifications, experience or training necessary to perform this procedure
Demonstrators: Should be familiar with the correct techniques and the anatomy of the pig before attempting this procedure.
Procedures should be clearly demonstrated before being attempted by students.
Students: Should be aware of the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract. They should also be aware of the possible difficulties with the procedure, and how to recognise them.