Abstract

LESCANO G, Jesús; QUEVEDO U, Miryam; BASELLY C, Luis  and  FERNANDEZ A, Víctor. Short-term reversible chemical immobilization of captive two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus) by using ketamine, xylazine and midazolam. Rev. investig. vet. Perú [online]. 2014, vol.25, n.2, pp.171-181. ISSN 1609-9117.

This study aimed to assess the combination of ketamine (3 mg/kg), xylazine (1 mg/ kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) for chemical restraint of two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus) and its reversal using yohimbine (0.125 mg/kg) and flumazenil (0.005 mg/kg). Three adults were immobilized. Respiratory and heart rate, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, non-invasive blood pressure and rectal temperature were measured every 5 min during 25 min. Induction, immobilization and recovery times were recorded and qualitatively assessed. Anesthetic depth was determined by assessing reflexes and muscle relaxation. Immobilization was achieved in all three animals. Induction and recovery times were 3.84 ± 0.55 and 13.73 ± 0.64 min respectively. Quality of the three periods was good and without adverse effects. Vital signs, excepting blood pressure during immobilization, remained within physiological ranges. Good muscle relaxation was observed and the anesthetic depth allowed the safety performing of all health control procedures. This protocol could be used when a very short recovery period is required or when the possible development of hypertension can be adequately controlled

Keywords : anesthesia; hypertension; wildlife; flumazenil; yohimbine; xenarthra.

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