Which animal group does NOT need to be routinely fasted before anesthesia?

• A. Rodents
• B. Goats
• C. Cats
• D. Dogs

Answer: (A)

Fasting before anesthesia is about reducing gastric volume to lower the risk of aspiration if regurgitation occurs during induction. But species differ in how fasting affects them.

Rodents do not require routine fasting before anesthesia because their high metabolic rate and limited energy reserves make prolonged fasting risky, with hypoglycemia and hypothermia being real concerns. Their small stomachs and the way they process food mean that the potential benefit of reducing aspiration risk is outweighed by the harm fasting can cause. With proper airway protection and appropriate anesthetic technique, rodents are typically prepared for anesthesia without long fasting periods.

In contrast, goats, cats, and dogs have more significant aspiration risks if fed, so standard practice involves withholding food for a period before anesthesia to reduce this risk. Water withholding is more variable and guided by species and protocol.