Field immobilization of lions using disassociative anaesthetics in combination with sedatives

Abstract

Zoletil (CI-744) proved to be a useful drug combination for lions during 64 immobilizations. The duration of Zoletil immobilizations were dosage dependent, but the onset of immobilization was similar for both low and high dosages. These characteristics were pragmatic in that low dosages of Zoletil were used for the initial dose, which was delivered by dart-syringe. This practice facilitated either a short duration of immobility, or the possibility of adding an additional dose by hand, which prevented the loss of large amounts of Zoletil in the case of a dart failure. Ketamine and xylazine were used on 120 lions at dosages of 7.5 and 3.5 mg kg-', respectively, and antagonized with 3.9 mg kg-' Tolazoline. Disadvantages of the ketamine/xylazine combination were the inability to use lower dosages for short periods of immobilization and the large volumes required. Midazolam served as a practical drug for the capture of retiring and unapproachable lions, and significantly increased trapping success. Additional notes are presented on the use of Ro 15-3505 as an antagonist for Zoletil immobilization in lions. Kqv words: Chemical, immobilization, lion, wildlife management, carnivore RksumkAu cours de 64 immobilisations, le Zoletil (CI-744) s'est revile stre une combinaison medicamenteuse trks utile pour les lions. La duree de l'immobilisation par le Zoletil depend du dosage, mais le dtbut de l'immobilisation est aussi rapide, que le dosage soit fort ou faible. Ces caracteristiques sont pratiques en ceci qu'une faible dose est administree au dtbut au moyen d'une seringue projetbe a distance. Ce systeme permet, soit que l'immobilisation dure peu, soit qu'elle soit prolongee par une dose supplementaire administree a la main, ce qui evite la perte de grandes quantites de Zoletil au cas ou le tir aurait Cchoue.On a employe de la kttamine et de la xylazine sur 120 lions, aux dosages de 7,5 et 3,5 mg/kg respectivement, et l'antidote ktait la Tolazoline, a raison de 3,9 mg/kg. Les inconvtnients de la combinaison kttamine-xylazine etaient qu'on ne peut en * Present and corresponding address:

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

“…More recently, ketamine, often in combination with xylazine or medetomidine, has been used for the purpose, especially for lions held in captivity. Sudden recoveries without warning, bradycardia, vomiting and large dart volumes are drawbacks seen with these combinations (Herbst et al 1985;Stander & Morkel 1991;Tomizawa et al 1997;Quandt 2005). Tiletamine-zolazepam has been used for the immobilisation of free-ranging lions, but used alone, can cause prolonged and 5 uncoordinated inductions and recoveries (King et al 1977;Stander & Morkel 1991).…”

“…Sudden recoveries without warning, bradycardia, vomiting and large dart volumes are drawbacks seen with these combinations (Herbst et al 1985;Stander & Morkel 1991;Tomizawa et al 1997;Quandt 2005). Tiletamine-zolazepam has been used for the immobilisation of free-ranging lions, but used alone, can cause prolonged and 5 uncoordinated inductions and recoveries (King et al 1977;Stander & Morkel 1991). When medetomidine is combined with tiletamine/zolazepam, the duration of immobilisation can be shortened and induction is smoother (Fahlman et al 2005;Jacquier et al 2006 (Verstegen & Petcho 1993;Larsen et al 2002;Kalema-Zikusoka et al 2003;Williams et al 2003;Spelman 2004;Lafortune et al 2005;Fleming et al 2006).…”

“…It seems unclear whether flumazenil is necessary in lions to fully reverse the effects of BMM, and due to the cost of flumazenil, this factor has to be considered when working with such large animals. Sarmazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, has been used successfully to antagonise the effects of zolazepam in cheetahs and lions (Stander & Morkel 1991;Walzer & Huber 2002) and could therefore be a valuable alternative to flumazenil (Walzer & Huber 2002). Further studies in lions are needed to assess if reversal with flumazenil is necessary and if lower doses of naltrexone could be used.…”

Reversible Immobilization of Free-ranging African Lions (Panthera leo) with Medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam and Atipamezole

“…Induction times were similar or shorter than those reported for other drug combinations in lions. Depending on dose, xylazine-ketamine combinations allowed lions to be handled after 6 to 92 min (Herbst et al, 1985;Stander and Morkel, 1991), and medetomidine-ketamine combination allowed lions to be handled after 3.5 to 10 min (Quandt, 1992). Recovery was extended for the first three animals in our study (lions 1-3, 232.36122.6 [98.3-338.8 We believe that the dose of atipamezole should be at least 5.0 mg per milligram of medetomidine in lions given the drug combination used in this study.…”

“…Various drugs and drug combinations have been used for immobilization of free-ranging lions (Panthera leo), including phencyclidine (Melton et al, 1987), ketamine-xylazine (Herbst et al, 1985;Stander and Morkel, 1991), tiletaminezolazepam (King et al, 1977;Stander and Morkel, 1991), and medetomidine-ketamine (Quandt, 1992;Bengis and Keet, 2000). In large felids, tiletamine-zolazepam has been the drug combination of choice for immobilization (Kreeger et al, 2002).…”