Surgical Excision of an Extratesticular Anaplastic Carcinoma in a Variable Kingsnake (Lampropeltis mexicana).

An adult male variable kingsnake (Lampropeltis mexicana) was presented for examination due to a three-week history of anorexia and obvious body deformities. On objective examination the animal was in poor condition, and on palpation, an intracoelomic mass was noted approximately in the distal third of the body, cranial to the cloaca. In agreement with the owner, an exploratory celiotomy was planned and performed and the mass was surgically removed. Modified Wright-Giemsa stain impression smears were taken, which were consistent with an undifferentiated tumour. Histological examination revealed the presence of a solid proliferation composed of highly tubular anaplastic cells and abundant multinucleated cells. The neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), but not for vimentin. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining revealed the presence of large granular cells, which can be identified as the characteristic cells of the efferent ducts. Based on the morphological and immunohistochemical findings, the diagnosis of extratesticular anaplastic carcinoma was made. To the authors' knowledge, this type of neoplasm has never been reported in the male genital apparatus of snakes.

Tramadol vs. Lidocaine Administered Intraperitoneally and in Incisional Lines for the Intraoperative and Postoperative Pain Management of Romifidine-Telazol-Anesthetized Swine Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair.

The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of tramadol and lidocaine for local anesthesia during umbilical hernia repair in swine. The study was performed on 66 large white crossbred swine. The swine received a mixture of tiletamine/zolazepam at 5 mg/kg and romifidine at 80 µg/kg, administered intramuscularly. Then, they were divided into three groups (n = 22) that received different treatments with lidocaine at 4 mg/kg and tramadol at 4 mg/kg. The LL group received lidocaine both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. The LT group received lidocaine by infiltration of the surgical planes and tramadol intraperitoneally. The TT group received tramadol both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. In all groups, the infiltration of the surgical planes into the umbilical region involved both the skin and muscle planes. Heart rate, noninvasive arterial blood pressure, and respiratory frequency were recorded during surgery. The response to the surgical stimulus was evaluated using a cumulative pain scale (the cut-off point for rescue analgesia was set to 10). Postoperative pain was assessed using the UNESP-Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale (the cut-off point was set to 4). The trend of physiological variables was adequate for patients under anesthesia. No subject required intraoperative and postoperative rescue analgesia. Tramadol could therefore be used for pain management in livestock.

Tramadol Administered Intravenously Either as a Bolus or a Slow Injection in Pain Management of Romifidine-Sedated Calves Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair.

Umbilical hernias in calves occur with relative frequency. Most abdominal surgeries can be performed in cattle using standing sedation and local blocks. Romifidine is widely used in calves, alone or in combination with opioids. Tramadol administered as an intravenous slow injection provided better analgesia than an IV bolus in cows. The aim of the present study was to compare the response to surgical stimulus, and sedative effects of tramadol administered intravenously either as a bolus or a slow injection in romifidinesedated calves. Twenty Frisian calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair received romifidine (0.08 mg/kg IM; time 0) followed by tramadol (1 mg/kg IV) 5 min later either as a bolus (n = 10, B group) or a slow injection over 10 min (n = 10, SI group). Surgical area was infiltrated with lidocaine (4 mg/kg). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic, dyastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), sedation scores and response to surgical stimulus were recorded for up to 55 min. After the calves recovered a standing position, postoperative pain scores were assessed for up to 50 min. Sedation scores were significantly higher in the SI group than in the B group at 55 min (p < 0.05). HR, RR, SAP and response to surgical stimulus were significantly higher in the B group than in the SI group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded in postoperative pain scores between groups (p > 0.05). Romifidine IM followed by intravenous tramadol, as a bolus or slow injection and local infiltration with lidocaine provided adequate sedation and analgesia in calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

Levobupivacaine Combined with Cisatracurium in Peribulbar Anaesthesia in Cats Undergoing Corneal and Lens Surgery.

The aims of the study included evaluating the effects of levobupivacaine combined with cisatracurium on akinesia and mydriasis when administered by peribulbar injection, and evaluating if the chosen dose of cisatracurium is enough to avoid the use of systemic neuromuscular blockade in cats. The animals were divided into four groups as follows: group L received 1.25 mg kg-1 levobupivacaine administered by peribulbar injection; group LC received the same dose of levobupivacaine combined with 0.01 mg kg-1 of cisatracurium administered by peribulbar injection; group C received 0.01 mg kg-1 of cisatracurium administered by peribulbar injection; group GC received 0.01 mg kg-1 of cisatracurium intravenously. Physiological variables, intraocular pressure, akinesia, and mydriasis were measured before and up to 30 min after peribulbar injection. The onset of akinesia, duration of akinesia, and train of four (TOF) were evaluated. Physiological variables remained in the physiological range in all groups. Effective akinesia and mydriasis were observed in all groups. The (TOF) was 0.9 in all groups. Throughout the study was observed in group LC a shortened onset of akinesia and a prolonging its duration. The peribulbar injection of cisatracurium and levobupivacaine provided effective akinesia and mydriasis, and shortened the onset of akinesia while prolonging its duration.

Afoxolaner (NexGard®) in pet snakes for the treatment and control of Ophionyssus natricis (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae).

BACKGROUND: Ophionyssus natricis is the main species of mite that infests captive reptiles. High infestations may result in the host experiencing general discomfort and deleterious effects, even death. Moreover, O. natricis is an important vector of reptile vector-borne diseases and is considered to be the putative vector of the Reptarenavirus, the causal agent of the inclusion body disease. Despite the cosmopolitan distribution of O. natricis in captive reptiles, treatment options are limited. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard®; Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany) in heavily infested, privately owned snakes, evaluate the prevalence of mites and drug availability in the plasma of treated snakes (pharmacokinetics) and perform a clinical examination of animals. METHODS: The study was conducted in two snake breeding facilities, where many snakes were infested with mites. Each animal was clinically examined and weighed, and mite infestations were assessed on the animals and in their enclosures (environment). Animals were treated with a dose of 2.5 mg afoxolaner per kilogram body weight (2.5 mg/kg) administered orally. All animals were examined pre-treatment (T0) and at various time points post-treatment (T1, 6 h; T2, 24 h; T3, 14 days; T4, 28 days). The collected mites were morphologically identified at the species level and the species identity also confirmed molecularly. RESULTS: Overall, 81 snakes from the two participating facilities (i.e. 70 from site 1 and 11 from site 2) were screened, and 31 (38.3%) snakes were found to have at least one mite. All mites were identified morphologically and molecularly as O. natricis. Lampropeltis was the genus of snakes with highest number of infested individuals. Mites were found to be alive on snakes at T1, but at T2 only dead mites were observed, and at T3 and T4 mites were no longer present on the animals or in their environment. No side effects were observed in the treated snakes. CONCLUSIONS: A single oral administration of afoxolaner at 2.5 mg/kg was a safe treatment for snakes and 100% effective for the eradication of natural O. natricis infestation without the need to treat the environment of the snake.

Hernioplasty with Peritoneal Flap for the Surgical Treatment of Umbilical Hernia in Swine.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical hernia is one of the most common developmental defects in swine, producing large economic losses for farmers, forced to slaughter animals at a younger age and therefore at a lower weight to prevent fatal complications. This study describes a surgical technique to repair umbilical hernia through the use of autologous prostheses, allowing recovery of the affected animals; Methods: After a general examination of the swine and examination of the lesions, the swine were anesthetized and underwent surgery. The surgery was performed by combining the traditional herniorrhaphy with the inclusion and fixation of a peritoneal flap obtained from the incision of the same hernial sac; Results: Follow-ups were carried out at 7, 30 and 60 days and demonstrated healing in all of the treated subjects; Conclusions: The use of this surgical technique allows for providing resistance to herniorrhaphy performed through the use of a cost-free autologous biomaterial prosthesis, with excellent tissue compatibility. This might allow for reducing significantly the rate of relapses and eliminating the risk of rejection.

Effects of Cisatracurium in Sevoflurane and Propofol Requirements in Dog-Undergoing-Mastectomy Surgery.

The purpose of the present study was to test whether the addition of cisatracurium in combination with propofol and sevoflurane would result in a change in doses of used anesthetic drugs. Ten dogs (Group A) undergoing elective unilateral mastectomy surgery were included in the study. To induce and maintain anesthesia, subjects received propofol and sevoflurane at varying doses; analgesia was performed with remifentanil. After three months, the same subjects (Group B) underwent contralateral mastectomy and received the same anesthetic protocol with the addition of cisatracurium at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg−1. The following parameters were monitored during anesthesia: heart rate, systolic blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, oxygen saturation, halogenate requirement, and rectal temperature at baseline (T0), induction (T1), 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 15 (T15), 20 (T20), 25 (T25), 30 (T30), and 35 (T35) time points. In Group A, halogenate requirement was reduced at all the time points other than T1 (p < 0.001); in Group B, the percentage of halogenate requirement was already reduced at T1 and remained constant during the experimental period, showing no significant intragroup differences. The dose requirements of sevoflurane and propofol varied significantly between the two groups, with significantly lower dosages in the Group B (the cisatracurium-treated group). Moreover, patients treated with cisatracurium showed a stable anesthetic plan. The nondepolarizing-muscle-relaxant cisatracurium besylate could be considered a useful adjunct to anesthetic protocols.

Surgical approach and etiopathogenetic considerations to the umbilical tumefactions in cattle: Case review in twenty years (2000/2020).

Objective: Our investigation was conducted to evaluate the incidence of umbilical pathologies and the result of related surgical interventions in Sicilian cattle. Study design: 320 (214 females, 106 males) cattle with umbilical lesions were collected, anesthetized, operated on and follow-up recorded. We evaluated the injury incidence rate. Population: The animals considered were: high productivity dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss); meat breeds (Charolaise and Limousine) and some crosses. Results: The highest injury rate was simple omphalocele, followed by purulent omphalitis. A high percentage was found in young cattle. Friesians are the most prone to navel diseases. The dairy breeds, compared to the meat breeds, and double aptitude and crosses, were the most affected. The most common was simple omphalocele, with a small hernial port (1 to 3 cm), while the rest was greater than 3 cm, with severe organs or complications. Methods: the most commonly used surgery was herniorraphy with autologous reinforcement, while classic sutures and mesh sutures were used in the remaining cases. Follow-up demonstrated healing in most of the treated subjects. Conclusions: The study aimed to estimate some surgical clinical cases in Sicilian cattle. Most injuries are lower abdomen injuries, mostly simple or complicated umbilical hernias. Young dairy females were the most affected. Meaning/Impact: Radical surgery is the treatment of choice in the vast majority of symptomatic or asymptomatic umbilical diseases; moreover, the correct management and the choice of an appropriate surgical approach allow to obtain an effective treatment of the lesions. Simple summary: In cattle farm, the correct management of births is a fundamental step for the future of the breeding. In fact, there are numerous critical factors in this phase: calving area management, umbilical disinfection, correct administration of colostrum, management of individual pens. Generally, after a few hours from birth, the calf is transferred in individual pens, the walls of this box allow visual and tactile contact but avoid the possibility of mutual sucking of the umbilical region, a risk factor, in that area, of infections and hernias. In the study have been collected umbilical interventions carried out over twenty years by a team operating in south-eastern Sicily: Ragusa. Out of a total of 320 cases, have been reported: the prevalence of types of umbilical tumefactions, anesthetic techniques and surgical techniques performed. The purpose of the work was to highlight any predispositions of race, sex, age regarding the lesion considered and above all, the effectiveness of the surgical therapy.

Investigation of an Autochthonous Outbreak of Bovine Besnoitiosis in Northwestern Sicily.

Bovine besnoitiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Besnoitia besnoiti, leading to infertility in bulls and abortions in cows. In Italy, it is considered an emerging disease, recently introduced by the importation of animals from Spain and France. In the last decade, many outbreaks have been reported and confirmed in native cattle, mostly in northern and central Italy. This study reports on an autochthonous outbreak of bovine besnoitiosis in two nearby farms located in northwestern Sicily. A 15-month-old Limousine bull born on the farm showed typical clinical signs of the chronic disease phase, such as edema of the scrotum with subsequent hyperkeratosis associated with eschars and thickening of the skin. A histopathological examination revealed the presence of Besnoitia tissue cysts containing bradyzoites in the eyes, tendons, testicles, dermis, and nictitating membrane. A serological investigation using a commercial ELISA kit revealed a high seroprevalence of the antibody anti-B. besnoiti (79.2% for the farms in this study). Clinical disease showed low prevalence (1.5%) despite the high seroprevalence of specific antibodies in the herd, confirming that bovine besnoitiosis is an emergent endemic pathogen in Sicily, but its clinical behavior still remains sporadic.

Life History Traits of Sperm Whales Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758 Stranded along Italian Coasts (Cetartiodactyla: Physeteridae).

We investigated the relationship between age and body length, and age at sexual maturity of Physeter macrocephalus individuals stranded along the Italian coast. Our molecular analysis shows that all our samples belong to the C.001.002 haplotype, shared between Atlantic and Mediterranean populations. We show that males attain sexual maturity at 10 years, similar to those from other marine areas. However, considering the same body length class, Mediterranean males are older than Atlantic ones. Our finding of a Mediterranean pregnant female of only 6.5 m in length and an assessed age of 24-26 years is particularly noteworthy, considering that females reach sexual maturity at about 9 years and 9 m of total length in other regions. Comparing our results with the literature data, we highlight the positive correlation between lifespan, adult body length and weight of males from the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. Regardless of whether the relatively small size of Mediterranean specimens is a consequence of an inbreeding depression or an adaptation to less favorable trophic conditions, we recommend to closely monitor this population from a conservation perspective. In fact, its low genetic diversity likely corresponds to a relatively limited ability to respond to environmental changes compared with other populations.

COMPARISON OF TILETAMINE-ZOLAZEPAM COMBINED WITH DEXMEDETOMIDINE OR XYLAZINE FOR CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION OF WILD FALLOW DEER (DAMA DAMA).

This study compared dexmedetomidine or xylazine in combination with tiletamine-zolazepam for chemical immobilization of wild fallow deer (Dama dama) in a prospective, randomized, blinded clinical study. Forty fallow deer were divided into two groups: tiletamine-zolazepam-xylazine (TZX) and tiletamine-zolazepam-dexmedetomidine (TZD). The TZX group was immobilized with 1.9 ± 0.05 mg/kg of xylazine and 1.48 ± 0.05 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam, whereas the TZD group was immobilized with 34.15 ± 1.1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine and 0.97 ± 0.03 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam by dart. The induction time was recorded. During the immobilization, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, blood lactate concentration, and quality of immobilization were recorded at 10, 20, and 30 m after drug administration. The time of achievement of sternal recumbency and that of standing were also recorded. The TZD group showed a significantly shorter induction time (8 ± 1.6 m, TZX group; 4 ± 0.5 m, TZD group), significantly higher quality of immobilization score (2[1-2], TZX group; 4[4-4], TZD group), and significantly lower lactate levels (5[3-7] mmol/L, TZX group; 2[1-3] mmol/L, TZD group). The time to sternal recumbency was 7 ± 1.6 m (TZX group) and 4 ± 0.5 m (TZD group), and time to quadrupedal standing was 20 ± 1.6 m (TZX group) and 16 ± 0.8 m (TZD group) (P = 0.001). Dexmedetomidine combined with tiletamine-zolazepam is a viable alternative to xylazine for the chemical immobilization of fallow deer.

Predisposing Anatomical Factors of Humeral Fractures in Birds of Prey: A Preliminary Tomographic Comparative Study.

The aim of this study was to identify possible predisposing anatomical factors associated with humeral fractures in birds of prey through comparison of specific anatomical features in different raptor species. An anatomical study of bone features in birds of prey was performed on 3 male subjects from 5 different species. The selected species included in this investigation were 3 diurnal species (the common buzzard [Buteo buteo], the peregrine falcon [Falco peregrinus], and the European honey-buzzard [Pernis apivorus]) and 2 nocturnal species (the barn owl [Tyto alba] and the tawny owl [Strix aluco]). Humeral bone samples were tomographically analyzed with a micro-macro-focus computed tomographic machine. Specific humeral anatomical points were selected (foramen pneumaticum and tuberculum dorsale for the proximal humerus; corpus humeri for the diaphyseal humerus; and above the condylus dorsalis for the distal humerus) to measure foramen pneumaticum diameter (in millimeters), cortical thickness (in millimeters), and trabeculae number and sizes (in millimeters). Apparent density, measured with the Hounsfield unit, was used to assess the degree of bone resistance. Statistical analysis was performed with a Spearman's correlation, and significance was set at P < .05. The differences among the observed bone volumes were highly significant (P = .00). Trabeculae number and the humeral anatomical point measurements showed differences in all 5 avian species investigated. However, those differences were not significant, except at the condylus dorsalis; in which, a significant interspecies difference (P = .002) was recorded. Trabecular size, cortical thickness, bone density, and diameter of the foramen pneumaticum were all different in all raptor species; however, these variations were not significant. The study confirms the existence of humeral bone volume differences between diurnal and nocturnal species. Furthermore, the data suggest that the humeri of peregrine falcons and European honey-buzzards may be stronger than the humeri of common buzzards, tawny owls, and barn owls.

Evaluation of the paw withdrawal latency for the comparison between tramadol and butorphanol administered locally, in the plantar surface of rat, preliminary study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of tramadol compared to butorphanol administered locally in ventral surface of the hind paw of rats. Prospective, randomized experimental study; twenty-one adult male Wistar rats were selected. Heart rate (beats minute-1), respiratory rate (breaths minute-1), and paw withdrawal latency (onset of radiant heat until paw withdrawal/seconds) were measured prior (T0) and after (T5, T10, T15, T20) intraplantar injection with saline solution 0,9% (group S), butorphanol 1 mg kg-1 (group B), and tramadol 1 mg kg-1 (group T). Shapiro-Wilk normality test and Friedman test were used to analyze the data expressed by median and range. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical analysis of heart rate showed that there were significant differences between groups at different monitoring times. There were no significant differences in respiratory rate after intraplantar injection in any of the treatment groups. The paw withdrawal latency values at T5, T10, and T15 minutes after intraplantar injection in the group B were significantly higher compared to baseline value and to the values of the other groups. The paw withdrawal latency were no significant changes in the measurements of intragroup in S and T. Intraplantar administration of butorphanol provides a good analgesia and significantly increases paw withdrawal latency compared to tramadol. Intraplantar injection of butorphanol could be useful and safe and safe technique to achieve local analgesia for minor surgical procedures in rats.

Ectoparasites of wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Southern Italy.

The European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is a widespread mammal that may act as host for ectoparasites and reservoir for some vector-borne pathogens. Study aims were to investigate the arthropod fauna that may infect the European wild rabbit, to assess the ecological indexes and to investigate tick preferred attachment sites. The survey was conducted on 105 wild rabbits hunted by poachers in a Mediterranean woodland area in the province of Ragusa. Animals were individually examined for ectoparasite presence and the tick load assessed on eleven body anatomical sites. Ticks and fleas were found on 79 (75.2%) and 3 (2.9%) out of the 105 examined rabbits, respectively. Three tick species were identified; Rhipicephalus pusillus was the most abundant followed by Rhipicephalus turanicus and Ixodes gibbosus. Although ticks were found on all anatomical sites, ears, forelimbs, and abdomen were those more frequently infected. All the collected fleas were identified as Spilopsyllus cuniculi. Some of the ectoparasite species found on examined wild rabbits are recognized as potential vectors of pathogens of animal and human concern, such as, Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae and Rickettsia massiliae. The most abundant tick species found in this study is the main vector of some zoonotic pathogens; therefore, the possible role of O. cuniculus in their maintenance should be further investigated.

Analysis of normal electrocardiographic patterns in mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata).

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic (ECG) examination in birds is considered an inexpensive and noninvasive diagnostic aid for the recognition of infectious and metabolic diseases. Contrary to other bird species, studies describing normal ECG patterns for mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata) are lacking. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate normal ECG patterns in A. galericulata. METHODS: Ten clinically healthy mandarin ducks of both sexes, aged between 1 and 2 years and with body weight between 0.8 and 1.2 kg were included. Electrocardiograms were performed in a quiet room with animals conscious and manually restrained. All electrocardiographic parameters were recorded using standard (I, II, and III) and augmented (aVR, aVL, and aVF) limb leads. The paper speed was set at 50 mm/second. The amplitude was 1 mV = 20 mm. Morphological patterns of P, QRS, and T deflections were evaluated in all limb leads. The amplitude and the duration of waves and, their intervals were determined in lead II. The mean electrical axis (MEA) in the frontal plane was calculated using the Bailey hexaxial system. RESULTS: In all birds examined, a regular sinus rhythm was observed. P waves were mainly positive in I, II, III, and aVF. A negative P wave was identified in aVR, while in aVL a great variability was present. The QRS complex was mainly isoelectric in lead I, while it was negative with rS or QS morphology in leads II, III, and aVF. A positive polarity of QRS was detected in aVL with R pattern, while it was negative or positive with QS or R morphology, respectively, in aVF. T waves were mostly positive in leads II, III, and aVF and, isoelectric in lead I. ST slurring and Ta wave were observed in 2/10 and 8/10, respectively. The mean heart rate was 246 ± 90 beats per minute and the MEA was -88.8° ± 9.57°. CONCLUSION: The ECG tracings of mandarin ducks show similarities and some differences with other avian species. The electrocardiographic values provided here can be used to assist in the interpretation of ECG in A. galericulata.

Normal Electrocardiographic Pattern in Conscious Healthy Domestic Geese (Anser anser).

The aim of this study was to describe the reference intervals of electrocardiographic patterns and values in conscious healthy domestic geese (Anser anser). Standard bipolar and augmented unipolar limb lead electrocardiograms with a direct writing electrocardiograph were recorded in 14 domestic geese. The durations of PR interval, QRS complex, ST and QT intervals, the net of the QRS complex, and the P and T amplitudes were determined at 50 mm/s and at 1 cm = 1 mV. The polarity waveform was examined. The mean electrical axis in the frontal plane was determined in leads II and III. Data are expressed as means and standard deviations. The mean (SD) heart rate was 153.8 (22.4) beats/min. The QRS complex was mainly negative in leads II and III; it was positive in the augmented vector right, augmented vector left, and augmented vector foot leads. The T wave was positive in leads II, III, and the augmented vector foot lead and was negative in the augmented vector right and left leads. The mean electrical axis ranged between -30° to -140°. Electrocardiogram recordings were well tolerated by the geese. The reference intervals provided here can be used to assist in the interpretation of electrocardiographic patterns in geese.

Reproductive Disorders and Perinatology of Sea Turtles.

Sea turtles' reproductive disorders are underdiagnosed, but potentially, there are several diseases that may affect gonads, genitalia, and annexes. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites may cause countless disorders, but more frequently the cause is traumatic or linked to human activities. Furthermore, veterinary management of the nest is of paramount importance as well as the care of newborns (also in captivity). This article gives an overview on the methods used to manage nests and reproductive activities of these endangered chelonians species.

Influence of Ambient Temperature and Confinement on the Chemical Immobilization of Fallow Deer ( Dama dama ).

We used physiological parameters and the duration and quality of anesthesia to compare the effects of two ambient temperatures and of the duration of pre-immobilization confinement on the chemical immobilization of fallow deer. We divided 45 free-ranging fallow deer ( Dama dama ) into two groups: Group A were deer captured in winter (average 12 C), using 1 mg/kg of xylazine and 1 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam; and Group B were deer captured in spring (average 24 C), using 2 mg/kg of xylazine and 1.5 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam, after being confined in a pen. We observed lower mean respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in Group B. In contrast, the mean body temperature and the mean blood lactate concentration were significantly higher in Group B, and quality of anesthesia was better in Group A. Mean induction time (time to achieve recumbency) and durations of recumbency were the same in Groups A and B: approximately 8 and 50 min, respectively. Despite the lower drug dosage, better sedation was obtained in Group A than in group B. The time of year, most likely associated with differences in ambient temperature and in confinement, influenced the recommended dosage for xylazine and tiletamine-zolazepam in fallow deer. As all the animals were sound, we concluded that the only factors that influenced the outcome of the present study were the ambient temperature and the level of stress caused by confinement in the pen.