Wenger S., Buss P., Joubert J., Steenkamp J., Shikwambana P., Hatt J.-M.
Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
Wenger, S., Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Buss, P., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Joubert, J., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Steenkamp, J., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Shikwambana, P., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Hatt, J.-M., Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
Objective To evaluate the effects of the combination butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam (BMM) and its reversibility in lions.Study design Prospective clinical trial.Animals Thirty free-ranging lions, 10 male and 20 female, weighing 81-210 kg.Methods Lions were immobilised with butorphanol mean 0.31 ± SD 0.034 mg kg-1, medetomidine 0.052 ± 0.006 mg kg-1, midazolam 0.21 ± 0.024 mg kg-1 and hyaluronidase 1250 IU administered intramuscularly with a dart gun. Upon recumbency, physiological parameters and anaesthetic depth were monitored 10-15 minutes after darting (T1) and repeated every 10 minutes for a further 30 minutes (T2, T3, T4). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at T1 and T4. At the end of the procedure, 45-60 minutes after initial darting, immobilisation was reversed with naltrexone 0.68 ± 0.082 mg kg-1, atipamezole 0.26 ± 0.031 mg kg-1, and flumazenil 0.0032 ± 0.0007 mg kg-1 administered intravenously and subcutaneously.Results The BMM combination rapidly induced immobilisation and lateral recumbency was reached within 7.25 ± 2.3 minutes. Median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.4 (range 1-2). Cardio-respiratory parameters were stable. Heart rate varied from 32 to 72 beats per minute, respiratory rate from 14 to 32 breaths minute-1 and rectal temperature from 36.6 to 40.3 °C. No sudden arousals were observed. Arterial blood gas analyses revealed a mean pH of 7.33, PaCO2 of 33 mmHg and PaO2 of 87 mmHg. Mild to moderate hypoxemia was seen in four lions. Recovery was smooth and lions were walking within 4.4 ± 4.25 minutes. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.3 (range 1-2).Conclusion and clinical relevance The drug combination proved to be effective in immobilising free-ranging healthy lions of both sexes with minimal cardio-respiratory changes. © 2010 The Authors. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia © 2010 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists.
analgesic agent; butorphanol; hypnotic sedative agent; medetomidine; midazolam; narcotic agent; narcotic antagonist; animal; article; clinical trial; drug combination; female; lion; male; South Africa; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Animals; Butorphanol; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Lions; Male; Medetomidine; Midazolam; Narcotic Antagonists; Narcotics; South Africa; Panthera leo