Medetomidine-ketamine-remote anaesthesia of the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx, Linne 1758) and its effects on anaesthetic depth, respiration, circulation and metabolism

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2002
Authors:Schone, J, Hackenbroich, C, Bonath, KH, Failing, K, Boer, M
Journal:Tierarztliche Praxis Ausgabe K: Kleintiere - Heimtiere
Volume:30
Pagination:454-460
Date Published:2002
Keywords:Lynx lynx
Abstract:

A modern and humane anaesthesia and immobilisation procedure was developed for the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx). Data supported by statistical analysis of a comprehensive anaesthesia monitoring are presented for the first time for this feline species. In order to avoid undue harm to the 17 subjects, non or minimally invasive monitoring techniques were used, which are suitable for use both in clinical environment and under field conditions. Based on observations of reflex activity, pain sensitivity, muscle relaxation, respiratory, circulatory and metabolic functions, the clinical suitability and veterinary practicability of the medetomidine-ketamine anaesthesia were demonstrated. After estimating the body weight, 30 ?g/kg medetomidine and 3 mg/kg ketamine were injected from a distance by means of a blowpipe or a CO2-powered projector (actual dosages were found to be 31.9 ¨± 3.1 ?g/kg medetomidine and 3.19 ¨± 0.31 mg/kg ketamine after weighing the subjects). All experimental remote immobilisations were carried out in conjunction with diagnostic and/or therapeutical measures. Mean induction time lasted 10.35 ¨± 3.43 min, mean tolerance time 50.45 ¨± 8.7 min and mean recovery time 13.93 ¨± 7.89 min. The tolerance period showed a very good anaesthetic depth with pronounced peripheral analgesia and complete muscle relaxation. The intramuscular application of the ?2-antagonist atipamezole at five times the dosage of the administered ?2-agonist medetomidine proved to be a suitable method of antagonizing the medetomidine effect quickly and effectively. Capnography, pulse oximetry, indirect blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography and blood gas analysis proved to be reliable non or minimally invasive methods for anaesthesia monitoring under field conditions. The results show that systemic and organ-specific effects of the medetomidine/ketamine anaesthesia are compensated by endogenous regulatory mechanisms of the lynxes and do not cause clinical complications in healthy animals. In the dosages described above, the combination of the ?2-agonist medetomidine and the dissociative anaesthetic ketamine leads to a secure, effective and antagonizable immobilisation, suitable for minor surgical as well as in and ex situ management procedures for the Eurasian Lynx.

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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith