SREL Reprint #3030

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Recommended Doses of MS-222 (tricaine methanesulfonate) and Orajel® (benzocaine) for Amphibian Anesthesia

Kristen K. Cecala, Steven J. Price, and Michael E. Dorcas

Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina 28035-7118, USA

Abstract: Traditionally, tricaine methanesulfonate (Ethyl 3-aminobenzoic methanesulfonate salt), commonly known as MS-222, has been used to anesthetize amphibians for a variety of procedures including surgery, marking, and photography. Recently, Orajel®, a widely used analgesic for oral pain in humans, has been suggested as an effective alternative. Previous studies also have suggested that Orajel® may be a more convenient choice because it may be purchased from pharmacies and convenience stores, is relatively inexpensive and may be easier to transport. . . . We examined the effectiveness of recommended doses of MS-222 and Orajel® on four North American amphibian species (Northern Cricket Frogs [Acris crepitans], Mole Salamanders [Ambystoma talpoideum], Fowler’s Toads [Bufo fowleri], and Northern Dusky Salamanders [Desmognathus fuscus]) by measuring the length of time required until induction, initial recovery, complete recovery, and the entire anesthesia process.

SREL Reprint #3030

Cecala, K. K., S. J. Price, and M. E. Dorcas. 2007. A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Recommended Doses of MS-222 (tricaine methanesulfonate) and Orajel® (benzocaine) for Amphibian Anesthesia. Herpetological Review 38(1):63-66.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).