Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of various combinations of dissociative drugs, tranquilizers, and sedatives in four male coatis (Nasua nasua) with an average age and weight of 4.8 ± 1.3 years and 6.02 ± 0.56 kg, respectively. We studied six groups with different anesthetic protocols: CX (10 mg/kg ketamine-S and 2 mg/kg xylazine); CXA (10 mg/kg ketamine-S, 2 mg/kg xylazine, and 0.04 mg/kg atropine); CM (10 mg/kg ketamine-S and 0.5 mg/kg midazolam); CMAc (10 mg/kg ketamine-S, 0.5 mg/kg of midazolam, and 1 mg/kg acepromazine); C(20)M (20 mg/kg of ketamine-S and 0.5 mg/kg midazolam); and TZ (7 mg/kg of tiletamine and zolazepam), with a 30-day interval between the completion of each procedure. We evaluated heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), saturation of oxyhemoglobin (SpO2), body temperature T (°C), and muscle relaxation, using a scoring system. There was no statistical difference for SpO2. T (°C) was progressively reduced over time in all groups (p< 0.0001). The groups CM, C(20)M, CMAc, and TZ demonstrated the greatest effect on HR and T (°C). With respect to respiratory rate reduction, groups CM and TZ showed similar results. The best degree of muscle relaxation was observed in groups CM and C(20)M. We concluded that the combination of 20 mg/kg ketamine and midazolam 0. 5 mg/kg (group C(20)M) is an option for dissociative anesthesia of coatis, producing smaller changes in T (°C) and HR, and promoting better muscular relaxation when compared to other combinations.
Highlights
Some wild species, such as coatis (Nasua nasua), have a high degree of adaptability to adverse conditions such as urban fragmented forests, which are becoming increasingly common throughout the world (MINTO et al, 2017)
We evaluated the following parameters: oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) via pulse oximetry; heart rate through electrocardiography (ECG ® PC, TEB Electronic Brazilian Technology Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil), DII and 50 mm/s according to standard techniques for small animals; respiratory rate (RR), determined by viewing the movement of the rib cage; body temperature T (°C) with a digital thermometer, positioned in the anus of the animal; and muscle relaxation based on the flexural strength of the limbs, mandibular tone, and observation of induced muscle activity, according to a scoring system (1: intense, 2: regular, 3: light, and 4: missing) and always by the same recorded evaluator
In Group CM, sinus arrhythmia was detected at M40 in 25% (1/4) of the animals and in 25% (1/4) of Group tiletamine and zolazepam (TZ) at M30
Summary
Some wild species, such as coatis (Nasua nasua), have a high degree of adaptability to adverse conditions such as urban fragmented forests, which are becoming increasingly common throughout the world (MINTO et al, 2017). The anesthetic techniques must meet safety requirements related to both the animal and to the professional involved in the capture process and chemical restraint. Anesthetic protocols in these species must be safe, have minimal effect on cardiorespiratory function, produce a quick and smooth recovery and induction, and have minimal effects on the animal in the long term (LARSEN et al, 2002; THORNTON et al, 2005). Atropine is an anticholinergic used to prevent bradycardia, vagal tone-induced increased salivation, and excessive respiratory tract secretions (NATALINI, 2007) Another class of drugs used for chemical restraint is fenotiazines. Its latency period is slow, but the sedation period is long, with a main side effect of lower blood pressure; its use should be restricted to healthy animals (RANKIN, 2015)
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