Question 1

What are the main routes for administering compounds to pigs in research?

Accepted Answer

Compound administration in pigs uses four primary routes: oral delivery through food or water, intramuscular injection into neck muscles, subcutaneous injection beneath the skin, and intravenous injection through the ear vein. Route selection depends on study objectives, compound properties, and animal welfare considerations. Noninvasive delivery reduces handling stress, while injectable routes provide precise dosing when needed.

Question 2

How is intramuscular injection performed in pigs?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular injection targets the lateral cervical muscles behind the ear. After aseptically preparing the skin in a restrained pig, insert a 16–19 gauge needle perpendicular to the muscle. Aspirate briefly to confirm no blood is present, then deliver the compound. Injection volumes are limited to 0.5 mL/kg up to 5 mL maximum per site in adult pigs to prevent tissue damage.

Question 3

What technique is used for subcutaneous injection in pigs?

Accepted Answer

Subcutaneous injection involves aseptically preparing the site and lifting loose skin behind the ear or near the flank to create a skin tent. Insert a 20–22 gauge needle at a shallow angle beneath the skin tent, inject the compound, then withdraw the needle. Volumes are limited to approximately 1.5 mL/kg per site to minimize tissue distension and leakage.

Question 4

How is intravenous administration performed in pigs?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous delivery uses the lateral auricular vein in the ear. Aseptically prepare and warm the ear to improve vessel visibility. Insert a 20–24 gauge butterfly needle or catheter at a shallow angle until blood flashback confirms venous access. Bolus volumes are limited to approximately 5 mL/kg, while larger volumes should be infused slowly. Sedation may be required to prevent movement during catheterization.

Question 5

Why is aspiration important before intramuscular injection?

Accepted Answer

Aspiration—briefly drawing back on the syringe before injection—confirms that the needle tip is not in a blood vessel. If no blood is observed, the injection site is safe for compound delivery. This prevents accidental intravascular administration, which could cause adverse reactions or compromise study results.

Question 6

What post-administration monitoring should be performed after compound injection?

Accepted Answer

After any route of administration, monitor pigs for injection-site reactions including pain, swelling, infection, leakage, and bleeding. Observe for behavioral changes or signs of distress. Careful observation supports animal welfare and helps identify complications related to the injection or compound exposure early.

Question 7

How can stress be minimized during compound administration in pigs?

Accepted Answer

Stress reduction involves using low-stress handling and positive reinforcement training in rabbits and pigs, acclimating animals to handling procedures, and employing restraint methods like slings for low-stress administration. Physical restraint should be limited to the shortest duration necessary. These techniques help minimize stress and improve animal welfare during compound administration procedures.

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