Evaluation of two short-term anesthetic protocols in captive juvenile pronghorn (Antilocapra americana).

Safe and efficacious anesthesia is required to facilitate biomedical procedures in pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). Two short-term anesthesia protocols were evaluated in 10 juvenile male pronghorn raised in captivity. Following i.m. medetomidine (0.1 mg/kg), pronghorn received either intravenous propofol (P) or ketamine (K). Behavioral and physiologic parameters were assessed for 15 min prior to atipamezole (0.2 mg/kg, i.m.) administration. Quantitative and qualitative values following both protocols were similar. Mean induction times were 80 +/- 23 and 75 +/- 15 sec after K and P, respectively. Arterial pressure decreased over time, and hypoxemia was evident (PaO2 51 +/- 4 mmHg) following both treatments.