Hypothermia depresses all physiologic functions, including respiration and cardiac function. Thermoregulation of Anesthetized Laboratory AnimalsĪnimals frequently become hypothermic when exposed to anesthesia because of inhalation of cold gases, exposure of body cavities to the room air, and loss of normal thermoregulatory mechanisms and behaviors. The animal’s body can now be warmed over an extended period of time without having to constantly increase the temperature.Ģ0% (requires more warming to increase body temperature)ĩ0% (requires less warming to increase body temperature)
Kent Scientific uses FIRst™ (Far Infrared Stasis Technology) in our small rodent heating pads. FIR allows researchers to safely warm animals for a longer period of time without unknowingly overheating the animal.įIR warming increases body metabolism thereby discharging anesthetics and toxins, which aid in faster recovery from surgery. Less warming is required with FIR than with conventional techniques. The body can absorb as much as 90 percent of FIR heat compared to only 20 percent with conventional warming pads. The energy level of water in the body’s cells is gently increased through “resonant absorption” warming the inside of the body. FIR waves resonate with organic matter and penetrate deep into the body. FIR is totally safe in fact 80 percent of the sun’s rays are in the low energy, far infrared range. Far Infrared (FIR) light warms the body without warming the air between the FIR source and the body.
When using infrared warming pads, far infrared light is absorbed by cells deep within the body of the animal which safely raise the core body temperature. Water is warmed by a control unit and then pumped through a pad, where the heat is transferred to the animal. Circulating Water Warming PadsĬirculating water devices offer excellent thermostatic control. Kent Scientific provides products that warm animals using two of the most common methods, circulating water warming pads and infrared heating blankets. Resource: The Importance of Maintaining the Proper Body Temperature of Lab Animals During Surgery ›There are several different techniques to warm laboratory animals.