Evaluation of three chemical immobilization protocols in golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) undergoing vasectomy surgery

Abstract

Heart rate, sedation and muscle relaxation degrees, antinociception, and lidocaine consumption presented significant difference between midazolam and dexmedetomidine groups. Bradycardia was present on dexmedetomidine groups, with values remaining within the normal range. Dexmedetomidine groups present the best outcomes for muscle relaxation, sedation, and antinociception and were safe for vasectomy surgery in golden-headed lion tamarins.

Early reversal of ketamine/dexmedetomidine chemical immobilization by atipamezole in golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)

“…In a previous study with golden-headed lion tamarins anesthetized with dexmedetomidine and ketamine, extra analgesic drugs were required in 20% of the animals in order to continue the surgical procedure. 4 Similar outcome was not found in the present study. However, the evaluation period was shorter, suggesting that the plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine and ketamine were higher during the pain stimulus and, thus, would help to inhibit antinociception.…”

“…4 The doses of atipamezole are in accordance with reports in primates and other species, where the doses ranged from two to five times the dose of the α 2 -adrenergic agonist. [7][8][9][10][11][12] Arterial blood pressure and heart rate decreased over time in all groups (with no significant difference) similar to other studies 1,4,[13][14][15] This is probably due to the effects of dexmedetomidine that has been shown to promote an initial increase in blood pressure combined with a marked decrease in heart rate and cardiac output. 9,16 Satisfactory anesthesia was observed in all groups up to the time of atipamezole administration.…”

“…These doses were based on a previous study in the same species. 4 When immobilization was achieved, animals were taken to the surgery room and underwent vasectomy procedure.…”

“…The combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, often used in non‐human primates for chemical restraint and anesthesia, seems to provide satisfactory analgesia and muscle relaxation even at low dissociative doses with long duration of action in golden‐headed lion tamarins ( Leontopithecus chrysomelas ) …”

“…The primary indication for the use of the antagonist drug atipamezole is the reversal of cardiovascular and sedative effects, which may result in shorter recovery time, feature especially attractive in the immobilization of wildlife species.The combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, often used in non-human primates for chemical restraint and anesthesia, seems to provide satisfactory analgesia and muscle relaxation even at low dissociative doses with long duration of action in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). [1][2][3][4] The golden-headed lion tamarin was inadvertently introduced in one of the remaining areas of natural occupation of the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), an endangered species presenting Abstract Background: A smooth and rapid recovery from anesthesia allowing safe release is desirable, especially for wild species. This study describes the clinical effects of the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine and the partial reversal with atipamezole in golden-headed lion tamarins.Methods: Dexmedetomidine 10 μg kg −1 and ketamine 15 mg kg −1 were administered to 45 golden-headed lion tamarins undergoing vasectomy.…”