The utility of a novel formulation of alfaxalone in a remote delivery system

ObjectiveTo quantify induction time, reliability, physiological effects, recovery quality and dart volume of a novel formulation of alfaxalone (40 mg mL^?1) used in combination with medetomidine and azaperone for the capture and handling of wild bighorn sheep.Study designProspective clinical study.AnimalsA total of 23 wild bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Sheep River Provincial Park, AB, Canada.MethodsFree-ranging bighorn sheep were immobilized using medetomidine, azaperone and alfaxalone delivered with a remote delivery system. Arterial blood was collected for measurement of blood gases, physiologic variables (temperature, heart and respiratory rates) were recorded and induction and recovery length and quality were scored.ResultsData from 20 animals were included. Administered dose rates were alfaxalone (0.99 ± 0.20 mg kg^?1; 40 mg mL^?1), azaperone (0.2 ± 0.04 mg kg^?1; 10 mg mL^?1) and medetomidine (0.16 ± 0.03 mg kg^?1; 30 mg mL^?1). The mean drug volume injected was 1.51 mL. The median (range) induction time was 7.7 (5.8–9.7) minutes, and recovery was qualitatively smooth.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAn increased concentration formulation of alfaxalone was administered in combination with medetomidine and azaperone, and resulted in appropriate anesthesia for the capture and handling of bighorn sheep. The dart volume was small, with potential for reducing capture-related morbidity.     

A preliminary trial of the sedation induced by intranasal administration of midazolam alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine and reversal by atipamezole for a short‐term immobilization in pigeons

ObjectiveTo assess the sedative and immobilization effect of intranasal administration (INS) of midazolam (MID) without or with INS dexmedetomidine (DXM), and some physiological changes induced by the drugs. The ability of INS atipamezole to reverse the DXM component was also assessed.Study designProspective ‘blinded’ experimental study.AnimalsIn total, 15 pigeons.MethodsPigeons were sedated by INS MID alone at a dose of 5 mg kg⁻¹ (group MID, n = 6) or in combination with INS DXM at a dose 80 μg kg⁻¹ (group MID-DXM, n = 6). Measurements were made of heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R) and cloacal temperature (CT). The degree of sedation was assessed at 15 minutes prior to, immediately after, and at intervals until 100 minutes after drug administrations. Following MID-DXM, INS atipamezole (250 μg kg⁻¹) was administered and the same indices measured 5 and 10 minutes later.ResultsMID had no effect on HR and f_R, and although CT decreased, it remained within physiological range. MID-DXM caused significant falls in HR, f_R and CT that persisted until the end of sedation. Atipamezole antagonized sedation and cardiorespiratory side effects of MID-DXM within 10 minutes of application. In addition, for MID compared to MID-DXM, the lowest sedation scores [10 (7–14) and 10.5 (5–14) versus 2 (1–4) and 2 (1–5)] were achieved in the 10th and 20th minute versus the 20th and 30th minute of the sedation, respectively.Conclusions and clinical relevanceMID alone, given INS had minimal side effects on vital functions but caused inadequate immobilization of pigeons for restraint in dorsal recumbency. MID-DXM caused an effective degree of immobilization from 20 to 30 minutes after administration, at which time birds tolerated postural changes without resistance. Atipamezole antagonized both side effects and sedation, but complete recovery had not occurred within 10 minutes after its application.     

阿替美唑对小型猪特异性麻醉剂诱导大鼠大脑皮质内Fos蛋白表达的影响

研究阿替美唑对小型猪特异性麻醉剂(XFM)麻醉下大鼠大脑皮质Fos蛋白表达的影响,探讨阿替美唑颉颃XFM催醒大鼠与大脑皮质c-fos基因的关系。将72只SD纯种大鼠随机分为XFM对照组、XFM+阿替美唑组、XFM+生理盐水组,每组又按采脑时间点分成4个亚组。采用蛋白质印迹法检测大脑皮质内Fos蛋白表达量。结果表明:XFM麻醉大鼠大脑皮质内Fos蛋白表达量逐渐增加,与给药后10min比较差异显著(P<0.01或P<0.05);XFM麻醉大鼠腹腔注射生理盐水,各时间点Fos蛋白表达量与对照组间比较无显著差异(P>0.05);阿替美唑注射后引起XFM麻醉大鼠大脑皮质Fos蛋白表达量减少,与XFM对照组比较差异显著(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结果提示,大脑皮质c-fos基因参与了阿替美唑颉颃XFM麻醉作用。阿替美唑抑制XFM诱导大鼠大脑皮质Fos蛋白表达,可能是阿替美唑催醒XFM麻醉大鼠的重要机理之一。     

Anaesthesia with medetomidine,midazolam and ketamine in six gorillas after premedication with oral zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of medetomidine, midazolam and ketamine (MMK) in captive gorillas after premedication with oral zuclopenthixol.Study designCase series.AnimalsSix gorillas, two males and four females, aged 9–52 years and weighing 63–155 kg.MethodsThe gorillas were given zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride 0.2 ± 0.05 mg kg^?1 per os twice daily for 3 days for premedication. On the day of anaesthesia the dose of zuclopenthixol was increased to 0.27 mg kg^?1 and given once early in the morning. Anaesthesia was induced with medetomidine 0.04 ± 0.004 mg kg^?1, midazolam 0.048 ± 0.003 mg kg^?1 and ketamine 4.9 ± 0.4 mg kg^?1 intramuscularly (IM). Upon recumbency, the trachea was intubated and anaesthesia was maintained on 1–2% isoflurane in oxygen. Physiological parameters were monitored every 10 minutes and arterial blood gas analysis was performed once 30–50 minutes after initial darting. At the end of the procedure, 42–115 minutes after initial darting, immobilisation was antagonized with atipamezole 0.21 ± 0.03 mg kg^?1 and sarmazenil 5 ± 0.4 μg kg^?1 IM.ResultsRecumbency was reached within 10 minutes in five out of six animals. One animal required two additional darts before intubation was feasible. Heart rate ranged from 60 to 85 beats minute^?1, respiratory rate from 17 to 46 breaths minute^?1 and temperature from 36.9 to 38.3 °C. No spontaneous recoveries were observed and anaesthetic level was stable. Blood gas analyses revealed mild respiratory acidosis, and mean PaO₂ was 24.87 ± 17.16 kPa (187 ± 129 mmHg) with all values being above 13.4 kPa (101 mmHg). Recovery was smooth and gorillas were sitting within 25 minutes.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe drug combination proved to be effective in anaesthetizing captive gorillas of various ages and both sexes, with minimal cardio-respiratory changes.     

阿替美唑对小型猪特异性麻醉剂诱导大鼠大脑皮质c-jun蛋白表达的影响

研究阿替美唑对小型猪特异性麻醉剂(XFM)麻醉下大鼠大脑皮质c-jun蛋白表达的影响,探讨阿替美唑颉颃XFM催醒大鼠与脑皮质c-jun基因的关系.将78只SD纯种大鼠随机分为XFM对照组、XFM+阿替美唑组、XFM+生理盐水组.采用蛋白质印迹法检测大脑皮质内c-jun蛋白表达量.结果表明,XFM麻醉大鼠大脑皮质内c-jun蛋白表达量逐渐增加,与给药前0 min比较差异显著(P＜0.01或P＜0.05);XFM麻醉大鼠腹腔注射生理盐水,各时间点c-jun蛋白表达与对照组间比较无显著差异(P＞0.05);阿替美唑注射后引起XFM麻醉大鼠大脑皮质c-jun蛋白表达减少,与XFM对照组比较差异显著(P＜0.01或P＜0.05).结果提示,大脑皮质c-jun基因参与了阿替美唑颉颃XFM麻醉作用.阿替关唑抑制XFM诱导大鼠大脑皮质c-jun蛋白表达,可能是阿替美唑催醒XFM麻醉大鼠的重要机理之一.     

A specific suppurative epididymitis of rams

On the basis of worm counts in naturally infected Angora-X goats, albendazole at either 3.8mg/kg repeated after 24 hours or as a single dose at 7.6mg/kg, was >99% effective in removing adult Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus spp. Small numbers of adult Haemonchus contortus, Cooperia sp. and Chabertia ovina were present in control but not treated animals. The single dose of 7.6mg/kg removed > 99% of adult Oesophagostomum venulosum whereas the repeated dose of 3.8mg/kg removed only 96%.     

Evaluation of butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam as a reversible narcotic combination in free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of the combination butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam (BMM) and its reversibility in lions.Study designProspective clinical trial.AnimalsThirty free-ranging lions, 10 male and 20 female, weighing 81-210 kg.MethodsLions were immobilised with butorphanol mean 0.31 ± SD 0.034 mg kg^?1, medetomidine 0.052 ± 0.006 mg kg^?1, midazolam 0.21 ± 0.024 mg kg^?1 and hyaluronidase 1250 IU administered intramuscularly with a dart gun. Upon recumbency, physiological parameters and anaesthetic depth were monitored 10-15 minutes after darting (T1) and repeated every 10 minutes for a further 30 minutes (T2, T3, T4). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at T1 and T4. At the end of the procedure, 45-60 minutes after initial darting, immobilisation was reversed with naltrexone 0.68 ± 0.082 mg kg^?1, atipamezole 0.26 ± 0.031 mg kg^?1, and flumazenil 0.0032 ± 0.0007 mg kg^?1 administered intravenously and subcutaneously.ResultsThe BMM combination rapidly induced immobilisation and lateral recumbency was reached within 7.25 ± 2.3 minutes. Median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.4 (range 1-2). Cardio-respiratory parameters were stable. Heart rate varied from 32 to 72 beats per minute, respiratory rate from 14 to 32 breaths minute^?1 and rectal temperature from 36.6 to 40.3 °C. No sudden arousals were observed. Arterial blood gas analyses revealed a mean pH of 7.33, PaCO₂ of 33 mmHg and PaO₂ of 87 mmHg. Mild to moderate hypoxemia was seen in four lions. Recovery was smooth and lions were walking within 4.4 ± 4.25 minutes. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.3 (range 1-2).Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe drug combination proved to be effective in immobilising free-ranging healthy lions of both sexes with minimal cardio-respiratory changes.     

Field immobilization using alfaxalone and alfaxalone–medetomidine in free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus): a randomized comparative study

ObjectiveTo characterize and compare two intramuscular drug protocols using alfaxalone and alfaxalone–medetomidine combination for the field immobilization of free-ranging koalas.Study designBlinded, randomized, comparative field study.AnimalsA total of 66 free-ranging koalas from the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia.MethodsKoalas were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A animals were given alfaxalone alone at 3.5 mg kg^–1. Group AM animals were given alfaxalone 2 mg kg^–1 and medetomidine 40 μg kg^–1, reversed with atipamezole at 0.16 mg kg^–1. Blinded operators recorded heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R), cloacal temperature, depth of sedation and times to: first effect, sedation suitable for clinical interventions, first arousal and full recovery. Data were analysed using independent t test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square analysis and log-rank test at 5% level of significance.ResultsSuitable immobilization for clinical examination and sample collection was achieved in all animals. In groups A and AM, median time to working depth was 6.5 minutes (range: 3.4–15) and 8.1 minutes (range: 4.3–24) and time to complete recovery was 66 minutes (range: 12–138) and 34 minutes (range: 4–84), respectively, following reversal. Time to first effect was significantly shorter in group A (p = 0.013), whereas time to full arousal was significantly shorter in group AM (p = 0.007) probably due to the administration of atipamezole. Maximum HR was 117 ± 28 beats minute^–1 in group A, which was a significant increase from baseline values (p < 0.0001), whereas group AM showed a significant tachypnoea of 67 ± 25 (normal f_R 10–15; p < 0.0001).Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth the protocols produced immobilization, enabling clinical examination and sample collection; however, protocol AM was more suitable for field work due to shorter recovery times.