Abstract
BackgroundThe study determines the pharmacokinetic profiles of dexmedetomidine (DEX), ketamine (KET) and its active metabolite, norketamine (NORKET), after simultaneous administration. Moreover, the study evaluates the sedative effects of this protocol, its influence on the main physiological variables and the occurrence of adverse effects.MethodsEighteen captive tigers were initially administered with a mixture of DEX (10 µg/kg) and KET (2 mg/kg) by remote intramuscular injection. In case of individual and specific needs, the protocol was modified and tigers could receive general anaesthesia, propofol or additional doses of DEX and KET.ResultsBased on the immobilisation protocol, nine animals were assigned to the standard protocol group and the other nine to the non-standard protocol group. Higher area under the first moment curve (AUMC0-last) and longer mean residence time (MRT0-last) (P<0.05) were observed in the non-standard protocol group for DEX, KET and NORKET, and higher area under the concentration-time curve from administration to the last measurable concentration (AUC0-last) only for KET. The KET metabolisation rate was similar (P=0.296) between groups. No differences between groups were detected in terms of stages of sedation and recoveries. All physiological variables remained within normality ranges during the whole observation period. During the hospitalisation period, no severe adverse reactions and signs of resedation were observed.ConclusionThe simultaneous administration of 10 µg/kg of DEX and 2 mg/kg of KET can be considered an effective protocol for chemical immobilisation of captive tigers, along with dosage adjusments or when other drugs are needed.
Highlights
Remote delivery of injectable drugs for chemical immobilisation is frequently required in captive large felids to perform physical examination, biological samples collection, drug administration, diagnostics and minor surgical procedures
This is the first study that evaluates the pharmacokinetics of DEX, KET and NORKET in captive tigers and the clinical effects of this immobilisation protocol
Chemical immobilisation is a paramount tool in zoo and wildlife medicine since it allows potentially harmful animals, such as tigers, to be handled safely when medical or management procedures are required; the employed drugs should have well-known pharmacokinetic properties and be safe and with predictable clinical effects.[1 7]
Summary
Remote delivery of injectable drugs for chemical immobilisation is frequently required in captive large felids to perform physical examination, biological samples collection, drug administration, diagnostics and minor surgical procedures. In case of individual and specific needs, the protocol was modified and tigers could receive general anaesthesia, propofol or additional doses of DEX and KET. Higher area under the first moment curve (AUMC0-last) and longer mean residence time (MRT0-last) (P
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