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Capturing and handling wildlife is a common practice for both management and research. As telemetry use has become common, the need to capture and chemically immobilize wildlife has increased. Understanding how long the effects of immobilizing agents last after releasing the animal is often poorly understood but needed to ensure that analyses use data that reflect natural behavior. Between 2016 and 2021, 60 cougars (Puma concolor) were chemically immobilized with medetomidine, zolazepam, and tiletamine (MZT) and collared across west-central Alberta, Canada, 27 of which were individuals being recollared. We examined the distance an individual traveled per day and compared equivalent periods before and after the recollaring event to determine whether postcapture movement rates were significantly different from precapture rates. Within 1 d of the recollaring, daily movement rates had returned to precapture rates (t20-2.09, P=0.18). Our results provide insight on how MZT used in cougars affects their postcapture movement and thus may be helpful in interpreting movement data after release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of butorphanol, dexmedetomidine, tiletamine and zolazepam anaesthesia on blood gas and haematological parameters in cats. These parameters were monitored before anaesthetic induction and 10 minutes following anaesthetic induction. Statistical analysis revealed that no significant changes exist and the parameters were within the normal reference range for cats. Therefore, this anaesthetic technique could be employed safely for elective surgery in cats.

Simple Summary: Our study demonstrates that the immobilization of marmosets is best performed with a Telazol® dose of 5 mg/kg administered intramuscularly. This dose resulted in 50–90 min of immobilization, during which scientists and veterinarians can perform minimally invasive procedures. Marmosets' small body size makes anesthesia challenging. Ideally, small volumes of drugs should be administered intramuscularly (i.m.). In addition, dose-dependent sedation and anesthesia are desirable properties for sedatives and anesthetics in marmosets. Telazol® (tiletamine and zolazepam) is highly concentrated, allowing the use of small injection volumes and dose-dependent sedation and anesthesia. A randomized, blinded study with crossover design in ten healthy adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) was performed to evaluate the anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of three doses of i.m. Telazol® (respectively, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg). Depth of anesthesia, cardiorespiratory effects, and induction, immobilization, and recovery times were determined. A significant difference was observed in immobilization time between 5 and 15 mg/kg of Telazol®. In addition, 15 mg/kg of Telazol® resulted in increased recovery times compared to 5 mg/kg. The cardiorespiratory effects during the first 45 min of immobilization were within clinically acceptable limits. The pedal withdrawal reflex was the best indicator of the anesthetic depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted on eighteen horses divided into three groups, consisting of six horses in each irrespective of their size, breed and body weight. Horses from all groups were pre-anaesthetized with xylazine (1.1 mg/kg b.wt.) intravenously and anesthetized after 5 min with doses of zoletil (Tiletamine and zolazepam) @ 0.5 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg and 1.1 mg/kg BW in groups I, II and III, respectively. Evaluation of different parameters like time of induction of anaesthesia, quality of induction, duration of anaesthesia, degree of muscle relaxation, time and quality of recovery were evaluated and compared between the groups. Different haematological, biochemical and clinical parameters were studied before administration of pre-anaesthetic, during anaesthesia and after complete recovery. There was no significant difference noted for clinical, haematological, biochemical and anaesthetic parameters between the three groups. Quality of induction and anaesthesia was better in group II and group III than group I. Time required attaining sternal recumbency, standing and completing recovery were significantly longer in group III than group I and group II. Overall quality of recovery was better in group I and group II than group III. On the basis of this study, we can say zoletil at a dose rate of 0.8 mg per kg body weight provide better quality of field anaesthesia associated with smooth recovery for short term surgical procedures like gelding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of butorphanol, dexmedetomidine, tiletamine and zolazepam anaesthesia on blood gas and haematological parameters in cats. These parameters were monitored before anaesthetic induction and 10 minutes following anaesthetic induction. Statistical analysis revealed that no significant changes exist and the parameters were within the normal reference range for cats. Therefore, this anaesthetic technique could be employed safely for elective surgery in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory animals are commonly anesthetized to prevent pain and distress and to provide safe handling. Anesthesia procedures are well-developed for common laboratory mammals, but not as well established in reptiles. We assessed the performance of intramuscularly injected tiletamine (dissociative anesthetic) and zolazepam (benzodiazepine sedative) in fixed combination (2 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg) in comparison to 2 mg/kg of midazolam (benzodiazepine sedative) in ball pythons (Python regius). We measured heart and respiratory rates and quantified induction parameters (i.e., time to loss of righting reflex, time to loss of withdrawal reflex) and recovery parameters (i.e., time to regain righting reflex, withdrawal reflex, normal behavior). Mild decreases in heart and respiratory rates (median decrease of

There has been a significant increase in veterinary drugs found on toxicology screens and postmortem analyses, especially in the Northeast region of the US. This article details the effects and treatment of two common culprits: xylazine and tiletamine-zolazepam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoletil is a combination of tiletamine hydrochloride and zolazepam hydrochloride used as a veterinary anesthetic. Although zoletil abuse is widely known, zoletil poisoning for the purpose of suicide is very rare. We present a case of a 39-year-old man who attempted suicide by intravenously injecting a large amount of zoletil, resulting in decreased mental status and severe respiratory depression. Intubation and mechanical ventilation were applied. After 30 hours in the hospital, all symptoms of poisoning improved. Because zoletil can cause severe respiratory depression, close observation and aggressive securement of an airway is mandatory

Copyright of European Bison Conservation Newsletter/ Żubr i Jego Ochrona Biuletyn is the property of European Bison Friends Society / Stowarzyszenie Milosnikow Zubrow and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pig experiments often require anaesthesia, and a rapid stress-free induction is desired. Induction drugs may alter the subsequent anaesthesia. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare, in pigs, the effects of two different injectable anaesthetic techniques on the induction and on the physiological variables in a subsequent eight hours of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). Twelve domestic castrates (Swedish Landrace/Yorkshire) 27‒31 kg were used. The pigs were randomly assigned to different induction drug combinations of zolazepam–tiletamine and medetomidine intramuscularly (ZTMe) or midazolam, ketamine intramuscularly and fentanyl intravenously (MiKF). Time from injection to unconsciousness was recorded and the ease of endotracheal intubation assessed. The TIVA infusion rate was adjusted according to the response exhibited from the nociceptive stimulus delivered by mechanically clamping the dewclaw. The time from injection to unconsciousness was briefer and intubation was easier in the ZTMe group. Results from the recorded heart rate, cardiac index and arterial blood pressure variables were satisfactorily preserved and cardiovascular function was maintained in both groups. Shivering was not observed in the ZTMe group, but was observed in four of the pigs in the MiKF group. The requirement of TIVA was lower in the ZTMe group. In conclusion, ZTMe had better results than MiKF in areas such as shorter induction time, better intubation scoring results and less adjustment and amount of TIVA required up to six hours of anaesthesia. The results may have been due to a greater depth of anaesthesia achieved with the ZTMe combination at the dose used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in samples from drug facilitated sexual assault by gas chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry （GC-QTOF-MS）. Methods Urine samples of victims were collected, and detected by GC-QTOF-MS after liquid-liquid extraction and concentration. The molecular formula of fragments ions was identified by determination of accurate mass numbers, to detect related substances. Results Tiletamine, zolazepam, three metabolites of tiletamine and two metabolites of zolazepam were identified in urine samples from actual cases. Conclusion GC-QTOF-MS provides abundant and accurate information of fragment ions mass numbers, which can be used for qualitative identification of tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in drug facilitated sexual assault.

The tiletamine-zolazepam mixture is a widely used anesthetic for chemical immobilization of wild mammals due to its short induction time, good muscle relaxation, smooth recovery with low convulsions occurrence, and minimal effect on respiration. An injection dose of 7-8 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam has been proven to be an effective and safe immobilizing mixture for crested porcupines under field conditions. However, the occurrence of long immobilization and recovery times, with high excitement and convulsion during awakening, were recorded. In order to reduce such side effects after recovery, the effectiveness of a lower dosage (4-6 mg/kg) of tiletamine-zolazepam (Zoletil®) was tested. The results obtained confirm that the use of tiletamine-zolazepam in crested porcupine immobilization provides a quick induction, wide safety margin, and predictable awakening under field conditions. A smaller injection dosage of 5 mg/kg has been proven to be sufficient to ensure a short induction time (average: 7.1 min), with good muscle relaxation and little excitement of the animals during awakening. The lower dosage of tiletamine-zolazepam, while providing a shorter recovery time (average: 53.6 min), proves to be adequate for standard handling procedures. Furthermore, the smaller amount of tiletamine-zolazepam also ensures safe immobilization for pregnant individuals and porcupettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine incidence and risk factors of post-sterilization hyphema in shelter cats. Animals studied: Retrospective medical record review of 1204 cats and prospective screening of 195 cats. Procedures: The study consisted of three parts: (a) Survey responses were collected from 20 veterinarians, who perform high-quality high-volume spay-neuter (HQHVSN) in both shelter and public clinic settings; (b) medical records of 1204 cats were analyzed retrospectively over a 14-month time period; and (c) ophthalmic examinations, including tonometry, were performed prospectively on 195 cats before and after sterilization surgery over 8 weeks. Results: Nine of 20 surveyed veterinarians reported having witnessed hyphema in cats following sterilization surgery. Retrospective review of 1204 medical record and prospective screening of 195 cats showed that three juvenile (<1 year of age) male cats (<2 kg) developed hyphema within 1 hour following surgery (0.2% incidence). In all three affected cats, anesthesia was induced with tiletamine/zolazepam (3 of 523 cats induced with this drug combination; 0.6% incidence), and hyphema resolved within 20 hours. Mean intraocular pressures as measured by Icare® TonoVet were (mean ± standard deviation) 11.5 ± 3.8 mm Hg and 21.7 ± 4.6 mm Hg for juvenile (<1 year of age) and adult (>1 year of age) cats, respectively. Conclusions: Survey responses and three observed cases confirm the existence of feline post-sterilization hyphema with an estimated incidence of 0.2%. The underlying mechanism for this occurrence remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of medotomidine-ketamine anesthesia and zolazepamtiletamine anesthesia on hematological and biochemical parameters and to investigate its clinical applicability. The study material consisted of 32 cats. There were 19 female and 13 male cats. The cats were between 6 months and 3 years and had a live weight of 5.3 ± 2.4 kg. Our study; medetomidine (80 mcg/kg im)-ketamine (10 mg/kg im) group (Group I) consisted of 16 cats and zolazepam-tiletamine (15 mg/kg im) group (Group II) consisted of 16 cats. Of all cats, 0 minutes, 120 minutes, 12. hours and 24 hours. Blood was taken for v. cephalica antebrachidene for hematological and biochemical measurements. In statistical evaluation; Between the two groups; There was a significant difference in hemoglobin (HGB) 120th minute and lymphocyte (LENF) 24th hour, leukocyte (WBC) 0 minutes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 12th hour, glucose (GLU) 120th minute measurements were significantly different (P<0.05). HGB, LENF, WBC, creatine (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and GLU measurements in the 1st and 2nd groups of the 0th minute, 120th minute, 12th hour and 24th hour measurements, granulocyte (GRAN) and eosinophils (EOS) measurements in the first group the 0th minute, 120th minute, 12th hour and 24th hour, in the second group of gamma glutamil tranpeptidase (GGT) measurements, there was a significant difference between the measurements at 0th, 120th minutes, 12th and 24th hours (P<0.05). As a result; the effects of medotomidine-ketamine and zolazepam-tiletamine anesthesia on hematological and biochemical parameters in cats were determined, but this effect remained within physiological limits. However, in terms of anesthesia findings, medotomidine-ketamine anesthesia was found to provide better anesthesia than zolazepam- tiletamine anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory mice are commonly euthanised with carbon dioxide (CO2); however, there is ample evidence that this gas is aversive. Previous work suggests that sedation achieved via injection with benzodiazepines prior to CO2 administration could reduce aversive behaviours during euthanasia. We explored the potential of using a voluntarily ingested sedative (tiletamine-zolazepam, Zoletil®) prior to euthanasia. Male and female C57BL/6 mice were allocated into one of the five experimental groups, which differed in the dose of Zoletil: 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 100 mg/kg. A dose of 20 mg/kg was found to achieve mild sedation prior to euthanasia; mice which received this dose numerically reared and walked on the cage lid less, and showed ataxia, immobility and recumbency for longer than mice that received a lower dose. During euthanasia, mice that received 20 mg/kg showed fewer aversive responses to CO2. Doses of 40 to 100 mg/kg were associated with signs of moderate to severe sedation, but resulted in an incomplete intake of the sedative, which made the interpretation of the aversiveness to CO2 difficult. Voluntary oral administration of a sedative is an effective, affordable, and easy way to minimize the stress of mice to euthanasia with CO2.

The goal of the present study was to monitor the physiological effects of a standardized balanced anesthetic protocol in brown bears (Ursus arctos) during routine dental procedures. Physiological parameters (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation) were evaluated in twelve brown bears, anesthetized with a balanced drug combination for 90 minutes during dental procedures. The animals were kept in the „Park for Dancing Bears“ Belitza, Bulgaria. A standardized premedication protocol of a combined intramuscular injection of tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl (Zoletil 100® Virbac, France) 1mg/kg, medetomidine HCl 0.003mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg of butorphanol was administered intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced intravenously with a combined bolus of ketamine at 2 mg/kg and propofol at 2 mg/kg, and maintained with a constant rate infusion (CRI) of ketamine at 0.8 mg/kg/h and propofol 0.04 at mg/kg/min. Rectal temperature decreased significantly during anesthesia, whereas: heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were stable with no significant changes in these parameters for the duration of anesthesia. In conclusion, this anesthetic drug combination is suitable for oral surgery of medium duration in brown bears.

Copyright of Journal of Forensic Medicine / Fayixue Zazhi is the property of Journal of Forensic Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Tiletamine‐zolazepam is a widely used as an alternative chemical immobilization method in non‐human primates, with a safe application pathway and necessary relaxation. In order to determine the electrocardiographic parameters of Sapajus libidinosus after intramuscular tiletamine‐zolazepam administration at the dose of 5 mg/kg, nine animals were submitted to anesthesia. Methods: The interpretation of the electrocardiogram determined: heart rate in bpm and heart rhythm, P wave, P‐R interval, R wave, QRS complex, T wave, Q‐T interval, corrected QT interval and electrical axis. The mean HR was 206 ± 32 bpm. Results: The majority of the monkeys showed normal sinus rhythm, but one animal showed sinus tachycardia. The most commonly observed electrical axis was between +30° and +90°. Two animals presented bigger alterations in the tracing such as low amplitude QRS and T wave bigger than 1/4 of the R wave. Conclusions: The administration of tiletamine‐zolazepam was safe and efficacious, with minimal cardiovascular effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen red deer were captured in box traps and then physically restrained in an immobilizing box; three red deer were captured twice, once by chemical restraint (anesthetized with a mixture of Xylazine, Tiletamine and Zolazepam) and once in the immobilizing box. It was found that microhaematocrit, total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, as well as plasma cortisol, were higher after the physical restraint. Anserine and 3-methyl-L-histidine concentrations were higher after the physical restraint in animals undergoing both captures. Data supports previous studies indicating that the physical restraint after capture is more stressful than the chemical one. Anserine and 3-methyl-L-histidine were higher after the physical restraint in red deer undergoing both methods, suggesting that measuring plasma aminoacyl--imidazole dipeptides and their components may be important in stressed animals prone to capture myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the induction of anesthesia in swine by injection of tiletamine/zolazepam and ketamine in combination with either dexmedetomidine (TKD) or xylazine (TKX). We hypothesized that TKD would accelerate anesthesia onset and prolong recovery as compared TKX in swine undergoing a noninvasive radiographic procedure. A randomized crossover experiment was performed on 6 healthy, intact, male miniature swine undergoing radiographic examination. Swine were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups: 1) 5mg/kg tiletamine/zolazepam, 2.5mg/kg ketamine, and 0.0125mg/kg dexmedetomidine (TKD) or 2) 5mg/kg tiletamine/zolazepam, 2.5mg/kg ketamine, and 2.5mg/kg xylazine (TKX). Either TKD or TKX was administered intramuscularly at 0.05mL/kg to provide anesthesia for a 45-min radiographic procedure. At 45min after drug administration, atipamezole was administered. During anesthesia, swine were monitored for duration parameters (time to sternal recumbency [onset of anesthesia], lateral recumbency, loss of palpebral reflex, return of the palpebral reflex, and return to sternal recumbency [onset of recovery]) and physiologic parameters (heart rate, %SpO₂, noninvasive blood pressure, and body temperature). Duration and physiologic parameters did not differ between groups at any time point. The results indicate TKD and TKX provide comparable general anesthesia in swine undergoing a radiographic examination.

White-tailed deer farming is a growing industry in the United States, yet there is still a need to improve breeding practices in captive cervids. The objective of this study was to compare reproductive and somatic characteristics of white-tailed bucks early in the breeding season (September), at peak rut (December), and late breeding season (March). We hypothesized that reproductive parameters would improve at the peak of the breeding season. Young, mature bucks (n = 7–11, ages 2–3 yr) were anesthetized via projector with tiletamine-zolazepam and xylazine. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and evaluated for sperm output, motility, and morphology. The bulbourethral, vesicular, and prostate glands were measured by transrectal ultrasound. Body condition score, thoracic circumference, rump fat thickness, scrotal circumference, and testicular measurements were also recorded. Serum testosterone, estradiol, and IGF-I concentrations were measured. Body condition score and rump fat thickness were highest in September, intermediate in December, and lowest in March ( p  < 0.01), whereas thoracic circumference was lowest in September ( p  = 0.02). In September, serum IGF-I was highest ( p  < 0.01) and estradiol was lowest ( p  ≤ 0.02). Serum testosterone levels were lowest in March and highest in December ( p  < 0.01). Testicular volume and scrotal circumference were highest in September, intermediate in December, and lowest in March ( p  < 0.01). Bulbourethral gland length was greatest in March ( p  ≤ 0.05), whereas prostate length was greatest in September ( p  ≤ 0.02). Vesicular gland length and width were highest in December, intermediate in September, and lowest in March ( p  ≤ 0.02). Both overall and progressive sperm motilities were lowest in March ( p  < 0.01), but did not differ between September and December ( p  ≥ 0.12). In December, bucks had the highest percentage of normal sperm and lowest percentage of primary sperm defects ( p  ≤ 0.01). Collectively, our results demonstrated variation in reproductive and metabolic characteristics of white-tailed deer bucks throughout the breeding season at 40°N. The physiological variations described here will be useful for veterinarians and researchers performing reproductive evaluations in white-tailed deer bucks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a technique for permanent sterilisation of female eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and red kangaroos (M. rufus) as part of a large‐scale macropod management program on an enclosed 1545‐ha site in western Sydney. Methods: Free‐ranging female kangaroos (n = 1409: 1285 eastern grey kangaroos, 124 red kangaroos) were anaesthetised via remote anaesthetic drug delivery of tiletamine/zolazepam, medetomidine and acepromazine prior to inhalational anaesthesia using isoflurane–oxygen. A laparoscopic ovariectomy technique was developed using standard laparoscopic equipment to effect permanent sterilisation of the kangaroos. The technique described was also adapted for use on immature animals weighing as little as 1 kg. No direct post‐surgical care was provided once the animals had recovered from the anaesthetic. Results: The procedure was simple to perform and had a very high success rate, with an overall project mortality rate of 2.13% (n = 30). Seven kangaroos (0.05% of all operated kangaroos) were euthanased as a direct result of the surgical procedure. Surgical complications were rare but included inadvertent gastrointestinal tract puncture with the trocar, intraoperative haemorrhage and subcutaneous emphysema leading to pouch eversion following surgery. Conclusion: The procedure described is a rapid and effective method of permanent fertility control in macropods and carries a low mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty sexually mature, 1-5 years old Philippine domestic cats with body weight of 1-3 kg, were subjected to tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) and to tiletamine-zolazepam- propofol (TZP) anesthetic combinations. TZ at 2.5 mg/kg (T2; n=10), 3.75 mg/kg (T3; n=10) and 5.0 mg/kg (T4; n=10) were combined with a constant dose of propofol (6 mg/kg) and compared with TZ at 5 mg/kg (T1; n=10) in terms of onset and duration of anesthesia, sternal and standing recovery times, vital signs, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), obliteration of reflexes and presence of atrioventricular (AV) blocks. T2, T3 and T4 had a more rapid onset of anesthesia than T1. Both T3 and T4 exhibited significantly longer duration of anesthesia and obliteration of pupillary reflexes, as well as longer sternal and standing recovery times than other groups. Cats subjected to T3 had significantly higher SpO2 while T4 had the lowest AV blocks compared to other groups. The results show that propofol, in combination with tiletamine-zolazepam at 3.75 mg/kg or 5.0 mg/kg, can provide a faster onset, and longer and better quality of anesthesia than tiletamine-zolazepam alone in Philippine domestic cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of tiletamine with zolazepam (T/Z) is commonly used in dissociative anesthesia in household pets. This combination induces short-duration somatic analgesia, loss of voluntary movements and myorelaxation caused by the benzodiazepin, with stimulation of the ardiovascular system and maintenance of protective reflexes. Due to the large use of this association in elective neutering of felines and its anesthetic properties, we chose to monitorize and identify electrocardiographic (ECG) and clinical changes during the anesthetic procedure, with and without oxygen supplementation. For this study, 20 female felines were recruited. All animals were young adults, healthy, no specific breed. The subjects underwent clinical, laboratorial and electrocardiographic evaluations prior to anesthesia. Tramadol hydrochloride was given as Preanesthetic medication followed by anesthesia with T/Z. The felines were randomly assigned to either Group 1 (n=10), in which subjects received oxygen supplementation through mask during the anesthetic procedure, or Group 2 (n=10), in which subjects were not supplemented with oxygen. Heart and respiratory rates, systolic blood pressure, rectal temperature and pulse oxymetry were monitored in all subjects from both groups. We also obtained recordings of the ECG tracing and derivations for each animal which were posteriorly evaluated and interpreted. The results showed significant differences between the groups in respiratory rate (G1 = 26,8 +/- 2,1 and G2= 38,5+/- 3,2) and pulse oxymetry (G1= 97,3 +/- 2,4% and G2 = 91,2 +/- 1,1%). We also observed on the ECG recordings development of periods of intermittent right branch blockage and S-T elevation in both groups. We therefore concluded that the ECG recordings were identical in both groups despite oxygenotherapy; however, we observed an improvement in the clinical parameters in animals who received oxygen supplementation via mask.

The aim of this study was evaluate the effects of three anesthetic combinations, ketamine-midazolam, ketamine-xylazine and tiletamine-zolazepam, on IOP in rabbits. In a experimental, blind, randomized, crossover study, six rabbits were anesthetized with each of 3 treatments in random order. Groups KM (ketamine, 30 mg/kg + midazolam, 1 mg/kg); KX (ketamine, 30 mg/kg + xylazine, 3 mg/kg); and TZ (tiletamine + zolazepam, 20 mg/kg). The drugs were mixed in the same syringe injected intramuscularly (IM) into the quadriceps muscle. IOP was measured before drug administration (baseline) and at 5-minute intervals for 30 minutes. The data were analyzed by a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test. All groups had significant decreases in IOP compared to baseline (p < 0.001). There was no difference between groups at any of the time points assessed (p > 0.05). Administration of either ketamine-midazolam, ketamine-xylazine, or tiletamine-zolazepam similarly decrease IOP in rabbits within 30 minutes of injection.

Pigs are commonly used in diabetes research due to their many physiological similarities to humans. They are especially useful in imaging procedures because of their large size. However, to achieve imaging procedures the pig must lie completely still, and thus needs to be anaesthetized. Most anaesthetic drugs used in laboratory animals affect carbohydrate metabolism by the inhibition of insulin release. The aim of this pilot study was primarily to develop an anaesthetic protocol for pigs that did not have an effect on blood glucose levels throughout the 3 h of anaesthesia; and secondly, to evaluate the most promising protocol in combination with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Two anaesthetic protocols were used in four growing pigs. Intravenous propofol infusion caused hyperglycaemia in three out of four pigs within 5-10 min after induction and was therefore excluded. Intravenous infusion with tiletamine, zolazepam and butorphanol (TZB) for 3 h did not affect blood glucose levels. The pigs underwent OGTT twice, once without anaesthesia and once with TZB induction after glucose intake. Anaesthesia during OGTT resulted in a lower area under the curve (AUC) of glucose (P < 0.05), higher AUC of glucagon (P < 0.05) and an insulin response less than 10% of that during OGTT without anaesthesia. In conclusion, long-term infusion anaesthesia with TZB does not affect glucose homeostasis in pigs. However, the protocol is not effective when combined with OGTT, as glucose, insulin and glucagon levels are affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to measure differences between arterial and venous blood gas parameters and to evaluate whether arterial blood gas values can be estimated from venous blood in Asiatic black bears (ABBs). Twelve healthy captive ABBs (8 males and 4 females; 8-16 years; 76.8-220 kg) were included in this study. The bears were immobilized with medetomidine and zolazepam-tiletamine using a dart gun. Arterial and venous samples were collected simultaneously at 5 and 35 min after recumbency (5- and 35-min points). Partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SO2) and base excess (BEecf) were analyzed using a portable blood gas analyzer. There was no marked difference in measured and calculated variables over time in both venous and arterial blood except for PO2. However, arterial PO2, SO2 and pH were significantly higher and arterial PCO2, TCO2 and HCO3- were lower than those of venous samples at both 5- and 35-min points. In the regression analysis to estimate arterial values from venous values, PCO2, TCO2, HCO3-, BEecf and pH significantly showed over 0.45 in coefficient of determination value (R2), and there were little differences between actual and predicted arterial values. Although there were limits in venous gas values replaced those of arterial blood, if we could not get the arterial samples, the regression formulas for arterial values from venous blood in this study would be useful clinically, except for PO2 and SO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus; ABB) is a globally endangered species for which a restoration program has been ongoing in South Korea since 2001. However, there is little information on immobilization protocols for ABBs. We evaluated the use of medetomidine-zolazepam-tiletamine for their immobilization. During 2005-13, we anesthetized 60 ABBs (32 males, 28 females; 7 mo to 12 yr old) with medetomidine 0.03-0.045 mg/kg and zolazepam-tiletamine 1.54-2.3 mg/kg; reversal of anesthesia was done with atipamezole 0.15-0.225 mg/kg administered intravenously alone or intravenously and intramuscularly (50:50). Mean (and SD) for physiologic collected for 373 immobilizations of at least 60 min were: time to sedation, 7.8 (5.4) min; anesthesia induction time, 13.7 (8.1) min; complete recovery time, 14.8 (12.4) min; respiratory rate, 14 (7) breaths/min; heart rate, 51 (16) beats/min; rectal temperature, 37.3 (1.3) C; and hemoglobin oxygen saturation, 88% (6%). Few cardiopulmonary side effects occurred during immobilization and adequate depth of anesthesia was maintained for >60 min without need for supplementation. The dosage and drug combination used was effective for immobilization of ABBs with minimal adverse effects on vital signs and can be recommended in most clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the effect of hyaluronidase on uptake, duration and speed of elimination of xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam administered in the subcutaneous fat over the dorsal lumbar region of swine. Study design Blinded, randomized, crossover study. Animals Six healthy Landrace/Large White pigs weighing 132 ± 24 kg (mean ± standard deviation). Methods Animals were administered xylazine (1 mg kg-1) and tiletamineezolazepam (8 mg kg-1) (control treatment, CON), or xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam at the same doses with hyaluronidase (400 IU) (treatment HYA). The treatments were administered into the dorsal lumbar adipose tissue, 2.5-3.0 cm laterally from the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. The latency, anesthesia and recovery periods were measured. Heart rate, noninvasive systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures, respiratory rate, hemoglobin oxygen saturation and rectal temperature were recorded every 10 minutes for up to 50 minutes. Results One animal in CON and one animal in HYA were responsive to stimulation and did not allow safe handling. No significant difference was found between treatments for latency (CON 11.3 ± 5.9 minutes, HYA 7.4 ± 5.1 minutes) and anesthesia (CON 53 ± 53 minutes, HYA 49 ± 38 minutes) periods. Recovery period was shorter in HYA (9 ± 6 minutes) than in CON (32 ± 16 minutes) (p < 0.05). Physiological variables were not significantly changed over time and were within accepted normal clinical limits for the species in both treatments. Conclusion and clinical relevance Hyaluronidase (400 IU) administered into adipose tissue in pigs did not reduce the latency and duration of dissociative anesthesia, but was associated with faster recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to compare intranasal (IN) and intramuscular (IM) administration of zolazepam-tiletamine (ZT) combination in cats. Eight adult healthy cats weighing 2.47 ± 0.6 kg were used. Each animal received 10 mg/kg ZT combination by IN and IM routes with a minimum one week intervals. The onset of sedation, the length of surgical anaesthesia and the recovery time were recorded. The parameters were recorded immediately before and at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min after administration of ZT combination. No anaesthetic complication was observed in either administration route. Recovery was uneventful in all animals. There were no statistical differences between the IN and IM administration with respect to onset of sedation and the length of anaesthesia. Recovery time was significantly shorter when the ZT combination was administered IN route (30.63 ± 0.32 min) compared to IM injection (33.38 ± 0.32 min). The route of administration of the ZT combination had no effect on heart rate (P = 0.388), respiratory rate (P = 0.628), rectal temperature (P = 0.066), and peripheral haemoglobin oxygen saturation (P = 0.442). Intranasal administration of ZT combination can be an alternative technique for sedation in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anesthetics utilized for the immobilization of pregnant mammals are prone to crossing the placental barrier and cause adverse effects to the fetuses. In this study, we develop a facile method employing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the study of Telazol crossing the placental barrier of pregnant pigs. The method mainly relies on the efficient extraction strategy that includes the mobile phase composed of 10 mM ammonium acetate aqueous solution-acetonitrile (1:4, v/v). When the injected dose of Telazol is 10 mg/kg (5 mg/kg of each constituent drug, zolazepem and tiletamine), zolazepam can cross the placental barrier as it is detected in both uterus and umbilical cord with approximately the same content. Conversely, tiletamine is detected in neither uterus nor umbilical cord, indicating the absence of placental transfer of tiletamine. The different absorption rates of the two dosage-equal compounds by pigs are found to be the main cause of their different abilities to cross the placental barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction It is important that the method of anesthesia of mice does not considerably alter the animal's physiological and metabolic status before terminal blood sampling taken in order to analyze clinical pathology parameters. Methods Hematology, hemostasis, and clinical chemistry parameters were compared in male and female BALB/c mice exposed to either tiletamine-zolazepam-xylazine (TZX) anesthesia or euthanasia in carbon dioxide (CO 2) chamber to reveal an alternative method of anesthesia vs. the recommended CO 2 inhalation. Blood samples were taken from the inferior vena cava. Results Clinical blood parameters in mice exposed to CO 2 inhalation or TZX anesthesia proved to be substantially different. The TZX group had lower activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen (statistically in males and tending in females) and lower platelets (PLT), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and white blood cells (WBC) in both sexes. TZX anesthesia resulted in lower blood serum concentrations of total protein, albumin and globulins, creatinine in males (higher in females); cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (АLT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in both sexes, and bilirubin in males. The calcium level decreased in TZX-anesthetized males and females while the phosphates decreased only in females. The volume of serum obtained from females of TZX group was approximately two times higher than in the CO 2 -anesthetized group, with the degree of hemolysis tending to decrease. Discussion The studied method of mouse anesthesia, followed by terminal blood sampling and analysis of clinical pathology parameters, suggests that TZX is a good alternative to CO 2 inhalation in toxicological and other nonclinical studies. The differences in hemostasis, hematology, and clinical chemistry parameters between these groups are supposedly associated with alterations in physiological and metabolic status of mice under conditions of increasing hypoxia, respiratory standstill, and circulatory arrest after CO 2 inhalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared anesthetic features, blood parameters, and physiological responses to either medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam or dexmedetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam using a double-blinded, randomized experimental design during 40 anesthetic events of free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) either captured by helicopter in Sweden or by culvert trap in Canada. Induction was smooth and predictable with both anesthetic protocols. Induction time, the need for supplemental drugs to sustain anesthesia, and capture-related stress were analyzed using generalized linear models, but anesthetic protocol did not differentially affect these variables. Arterial blood gases and acid-base status, and physiological responses were examined using linear mixed models. We documented acidemia (pH of arterial blood < 7.35), hypoxemia (partial pressure of arterial oxygen < 80 mmHg), and hypercapnia (partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide ≥ 45 mmHg) with both protocols. Arterial pH and oxygen partial pressure were similar between groups with the latter improving markedly after oxygen supplementation (p < 0.001). We documented dose-dependent effects of both anesthetic protocols on induction time and arterial oxygen partial pressure. The partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide increased as respiratory rate increased with medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam, but not with dexmedetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam, demonstrating a differential drug effect. Differences in heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature among bears could not be attributed to the anesthetic protocol. Heart rate increased with increasing rectal temperature (p < 0.001) and ordinal day of capture (p = 0.002). Respiratory rate was significantly higher in bears captured by helicopter in Sweden than in bears captured by culvert trap in Canada (p < 0.001). Rectal temperature significantly decreased over time (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, we did not find any benefit of using dexmedetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam instead of medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam in the anesthesia of brown bears. Both drug combinations appeared to be safe and reliable for the anesthesia of free-ranging brown bears captured by helicopter or by culvert trap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the use of a combination of tiletamine and zolazepam (Zoletil®) for chemical restraint of South American coatis ( Nasua nasua) under field conditions. We immobilized 53 coatis from a free-ranging population at Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, with Zoletil. Males and females (1.0-8.7 kg) of different age groups participated in the study. Four dosage (milligram per kilogram body weight) groups were created based on quartiles as follows: 1) 4.76-6.68 mg/kg ( n=13), 2) 6.83-7.71 mg/kg ( n=13), 3) 7.72-8.68 mg/kg ( n=18), and 4) 8.98-11.57 mg/kg ( n=9). Variables analyzed were sex, age, body weight, dosage, induction time, handling time (HT: time elapsed between the onset of immobilization and first signs of recovery), time from injection to first stand-up posture after anesthesia, heart and respiratory rates, and body temperature. Mean (±SD) induction time was 2.9 (±1.4) min and was positively correlated with age. In dosage groups 1-4, mean HTs were 40.3 (±24.0), 64.5 (±19.1), 54.8 (±15.0), and 60.3 (±12.0), respectively. Handling time had a positive linear relationship with age and body weight, but the relationship between HT and dosage was nonlinear. Group 1 had a shorter HT compared to the other groups combined. Time from injection to first stand-up was 105.0 (±33.5) min. Zoletil was quick acting and safe for immobilization of coatis in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]