Chemical immobilization of captive aardvark (Orycteropus afer).

Four aardvarks (Orycteropus afer) were anesthetized over a 6-yr period. They were sedated using detomidine (0.13+/-0.025 mg/kg i.m.; 0.12-0.14 mg/kg) and anesthetized with detomidine (0.12+/-0.025 mg/kg i.m.; 0.09-0.18 mg/kg) followed by ketamine (6.3+/-1.68 mg/kg i.m.; 4.3-8.2 mg/kg). Effects of anesthesia were reversed by atipamezole (0.065+/-0.013 mg/kg i.m.; 0.05-0.09 mg/kg). The detomidine-ketamine combination produced smooth anesthesia, excellent muscle relaxation, and was suitable for routine diagnostic and therapeutic interventions (blood collection, radiologic examinations, minor surgery).