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1 December 2011 Evaluation of Medetomidine-Alfaxalone and Medetomidine-Ketamine in Semi-Free Ranging Bennett's Wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus)
Tim Bouts, Dananjaya Karunaratna, Karla Berry, Joanne Dodds, Frank Gasthuys, Andrew Routh, Cert Zoo, Polly Taylor
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Abstract

Twenty-six adult semi–free-ranging Bennett's wallabies were anesthetized. Animals in group MA received medetomidine 0.1 mg/kg and alfaxalone 4 mg/kg i.m. in a 5-ml dart, whereas those in group MK received medetomidine 0.1 mg/kg and ketamine 5 mg/kg i.m. in a 3-ml dart. Dosages were based on estimated body weights. The wallabies were allowed to recover spontaneously or, if still nonresponsive at the end of the procedure, were given atipamezole 0.5 mg/kg (half the dose via i.m. and the other half via i.v.). Heart rate and respiratory rate were monitored at 5-min intervals, temperature at 10-min intervals, and two arterial blood samples were taken for blood gas analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of variance (P < 0.05). The use of 5-ml darts in group MA compared with 3-ml darts in group MK could potentially increase the risk of iatrogenic trauma and should be considered. Induction and maintenance of anesthesia were satisfactory in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in mean time to first effect, recumbency, and approach, or to time to sternal recumbency and standing after reversal with atipamezole. Although bradycardia was present in both groups, no statistical differences were calculated for respiratory rate and heart rate, whereas the mean cloacal temperature was significantly lower in group MA (P = 0.01). Mixed acid-base disturbances occurred in both groups. All but one animal in group MK needed atipamezole at the end of the procedure. No adverse effects were observed after recovery.

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Tim Bouts, Dananjaya Karunaratna, Karla Berry, Joanne Dodds, Frank Gasthuys, Andrew Routh, Cert Zoo, and Polly Taylor "Evaluation of Medetomidine-Alfaxalone and Medetomidine-Ketamine in Semi-Free Ranging Bennett's Wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 42(4), 617-622, (1 December 2011). https://doi.org/10.1638/2010-0246.1
Received: 13 January 2011; Published: 1 December 2011
KEYWORDS
alfaxalone
Bennett's wallaby
ketamine
Macropus rufogriseus
medetomidine
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