Abstract: Objective To observe and compare the anesthetic effect, side effect of ketamine and sodium pentobarbital on tree shrew for establishing the safe, reliable anesthesia methods. Methods One hundred and ten adult tree shrews were divided into two groups: 60 were anesthetized with i.p of ketamine (40 mg/kg), another 50 with i.p of Sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg). Results In ketamine group，the induction period of anesthesia was 2.78±1.28 min, maintain duration of anesthesia was 10.12士2.13 min, and the animal with heavy salivation. The induction period of anesthesia by sodium pentobarbital was 4.84±2.15 min, maintain duration was 51.95±12.94min，all animals keep a stable state but body temperature dropped notable in this group. Conclusion Ketamine and sodium pentobarbital are safe, suitable for tree shrew in these dose. The induction period and maintain of ketamine anesthetic were shorter than those of sodium pentobarbital. More stable anesthesia was obtained by using sodium pentobarbital.

Key words: Tree shrew, Anesthesia, Ketamine, Sodium pentobarbital