Use of Alfaxalone or Midazolam–Dexmedetomidine–Ketamine for Implantation of Radiotransmitters in Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi)

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the physiologic and anesthetic effects, and differences, between two intramuscular drug protocols in adult bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi); the bullsnakes were being anesthetized for a radiotelemetry study. Free-ranging bullsnakes were injected IM with 10 mg/kg butorphanol, followed by either 20 mg/kg alfaxalone or a combination of 0.5 mg/kg midazolam, 0.05 mg/kg dexmedetomidine, and 5 mg/kg ketamine (MDK). After administration, muscle tone, response to stimuli, and jaw tone were evaluated before endotracheal intubation and surgical stimulation to implant coelomic transmitters. If a bullsnake responded to stimulation induced by surgical preparation, or noxious stimuli induced by the surgical procedure, isoflurane was administered to maintain a surgical plane of anesthesia. Heart rate, sedation depth, esophageal temperature, end-tidal CO2, respirations, time to spontaneous ventilation, extubation, return of righting reflex, and return of spontaneous...