Equithesin without chloral hydrate as an anaesthetic for rats.

In 1977 it was reported that chloral hydrate could cause adynamic ileus in rats, leading to morbidity and death. The symptoms were a swollen abdomen, lethargy and anorexia. However, chloral hydrate is still used as an anaesthetic, particularly in Equithesin mixture. We report that Equithesin without chloral hydrate is an effective anaesthetic, with a slightly reduced potency compared to Equithesin itself, and anaesthesia may be maintained for several hours by supplemental doses.