EVALUATION OF A COMBINATION OF TILETAMINE-ZOLAZEPAM, MEDETOMIDINE, AND AZAPERONE WITH NASAL OXYGEN SUPPLEMENTATION FOR THE IMMOBILIZATION OF CAPTIVE CHACOAN PECCARIES (CATAGONUS WAGNERI) IN THE CHACO REGION OF PARAGUAY.

A combination of tiletamine-zolazepam, medetomidine, and azaperone was used to immobilize captive Chacoan peccaries (Catagonus wagneri) for health assessments and biological sample collection at the Centro Chaqueño para la Conservación e Investigación (CCCI) in the Paraguayan Chaco during July in 2017 and 2018. In total, 83 peccaries kept in 0.25-1.50 hectare enclosures were immobilized via dart-administered anesthetic. Mean animal weight was 33.89±3.74 kg (standard deviation; n=77). The mean intramuscular (IM) anesthetic drug and dosages were 0.03±0.00 mg/kg of medetomidine, 0.91±0.10 mg/kg of Zoletil 50 (tiletamine-zolazepam), and 0.30±0.03 mg/kg azaperone. The mean time to recumbency after darting was 6.07±2.65 min. The mean time to reach the anesthetic plane postdarting was 10.00±2.00 min. Muscle relaxation was adequate to allow minor veterinary procedures. A mean dosage of 0.15±0.02 mg/kg of atipamezole was given IM to reverse the medetomidine. Recoveries were smooth and animals were standing by 59.17±30.18 min postreversal. Full recovery and release back to enclosures occurred 90±30 min postreversal. A single dose of this drug combination provided adequate anesthesia for 88% of adult Chacoan peccaries; 12% needed a supplemental dose of tiletamine-zolazepam because of failure to receive the full dose from the anesthetic dart. Sex and age did not impact the dosage required to achieve immobilization. Confinement during recovery from anesthesia is required with this protocol. Aside from mild hypoxemia, no adverse effects from anesthesia were observed. However, oxygen supplementation as a part of this protocol is recommended to support circulatory and respiratory capacity.

Effects of tiletamine-zolazepam vs. propofol on peri-induction intraocular pressure in dogs: A randomized, masked crossover study.

Introduction: Anesthesia induction agents have the potential to cause severe ocular side effects, resulting in lasting damage to the eye. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of tiletamine-zolazepam on IOP compared to propofol when they are used as an induction agent in normal healthy dogs. Methods: Twenty healthy adult client owned dogs weighing 22.2 ± 7.6 kg were selected for the study. In a randomized order, all dogs received tiletamine-zolazepam 5 mg/kg IV or propofol 8 mg/kg IV titrated to effect without premedication. Washout between each treatment was at least seven days. IOP measurements were obtained at four time points: baseline, post-induction, post-intubation, and after recovery using applanation tonometry. No additional procedures were performed. After normality of the data was determined, a linear mixed model was built with time, eye, treatment and all interactions of those variables as fixed effects and subject as a random effect. Results: There was no significant difference for age, body weight, drug dose, baseline IOP, and recovery IOP between treatments. Average IOP measurements remained within the normal range of 15-25 mmHg at these time points. However, IOP was significantly less elevated by the tiletamine-zolazepam treatment vs. propofol at the post-induction (mean difference: -4.7 ± 4.6 [95%CI -6.8 to -2.5]) and the post-intubation (mean difference: -4.4 ± 4.6 [95%CI -6.5 to -2.2]) time points. Clinical significance: Dogs receiving tiletamine-zolazepam for anesthetic induction had a significantly less elevated IOP at induction and intubation compared to dogs receiving propofol.

Changes in spontaneous and odorant-induced single-unit activity of mitral/tufted neurons of the rat olfactory bulb during xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam anesthesia.

The nature and severity of mitral/tufted (M/T) cells reactions to odorants presented in anesthesia depend on various factors, and, above all, the nature and concentration of the odor, anesthesia, and the functional state of the olfactory bulb (OB). Compared to wakefulness, under anesthesia, the intensity of OB M/T cells responses to the odorants presented increases. However, the influence of anesthesia dynamics on the intensity of such responses has not been studied. To address this problem in rats, the activity of M/T cells and the local field potentials (LFP) in OB were recorded in the course of xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam (XTZ) anesthesia. It has been shown that in the course of the anesthesia, the average frequency of background and odorant-induced single-unit activity of M/T cells increases, while the dominant frequency value of LFP in the gamma frequency range (90-170 Hz), on the contrary, decreases. The observed effects are assumed to be associated with changes in the functional state of the OB and systems for processing olfactory information in anesthesia.

Field Evaluation of Tiletamine-Zolazepam-Medetomidine for Immobilization of Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis).

The effectiveness of tiletamine-zolazepam (1.7 mg/kg) plus medetomidine (0.07 mg/kg; TZM) as an immobilizing combination in raccoons (Procyon lotor; n=43) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis; n=7) was evaluated during October 2019. Mean (±SD) induction time for raccoons was 15.0±6.6 min. First signs of recovery (head up) occurred 12.9±6.0 min after receiving atipamezole reversal (0.35 mg/kg) and animals were standing in 30.3±16.1 min. Mean induction time for skunks was 11.7±5.8 min. Following reversal, skunks first raised their heads in 6.7±4.3 min and stood in 17.1±12.9 min. Recovery in skunks and female raccoons was not related to length of time immobilized, but male raccoons that were immobilized for longer periods of time stood faster after reversal. Raccoon heart rate (HR) remained steady during immobilization, but respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) declined. The HR and RR were similar among males and females, but RT of male raccoons were, on average, 0.5 C higher than those of females, and rate of temperature decline was slower for males. The HR, RR, and RT of skunks declined during immobilization. Although induction times for both raccoons and skunks were longer than expected, induction and recovery were smooth, side effects were few, analgesia was adequate for nonsurgical procedures, and reversal reduced time in captivity.

Clinical Usefulness of the Anaesthetic Protocol Using Low Doses of Tiletamine - Zolazepam Combination in Continuous Rate Infusion as a Partial Intravenous Anaesthesia in Bitches Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the combination of tiletamine-zolazepam used in low doses as a continuous rate infusion in a partial intravenous anesthesia protocol. Fifteen clinically healthy, different breed bitches weighing 25.08 ± 10.39 kg was used in this study. After a food fast for at least 12 hours and water fast for 4 hours, the animals were premedicated with dexmedetomidine. After 15 minutes, the bolus of tiletamine-zolazepam combination was given as an. Induction of general anesthesia, immediately followed by continuous intravenous infusion. The following parameters were measured immediately after the induction of general anesthesia and lasted until the end of the surgery: electrocardiography, heart rate, systolic arterial blood pressure, diastolic arterial blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, body temperature respiratory rate end tidal of CO2. During the recovery period, pain level was evaluated as well as sedation assessment. Time for successful intubation after administration of the tiletamine-zolazepam combination was within 3 minutes. Heart rate was within reference values. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were also within the reference values. Internal body temperature showed a downward trend for a whole procedure time. During recovery, only 1 patient showed symptoms of pain and signs of dissociation. In summary, the partial intravenous protocol with the use of tiletamine-zolazepam combination and low anesthetic gases concentration is clinically useful because of ensuring the correct level of anesthesia and stability of intraoperative parameters as well as a good recovery period.

Intraocular pressure and cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine premedication and tiletamine-zolazepam for anesthetic induction in dogs.

Background and Aim: The effect of anesthetic drugs on intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important concern in ophthalmic surgery. The impact of dexmedetomidine (DEX) combined with tiletamine-zolazepam on IOP is scarcely studied. This study aimed to evaluate IOP and cardiovascular effects in dogs after premedication with 5 µg/kg (DEX5) or 10 µg/kg (DEX10) of intramuscular DEX followed by intravenous tiletamine-zolazepam administration for induction of anesthesia in healthy dogs. Materials and Methods: Eighteen dogs, American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II, without ocular abnormality were investigated. All dogs were randomly divided into the DEX5 (n = 9) and DEX10 groups (n = 9). The IOP, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), oxygen saturation, and sedation scale were measured before premedication (baseline), after premedication at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min, after tiletamine-zolazepam administration, after endotracheal intubation, and post-operative. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups at any time point. The DEX5 and DEX10 groups had significantly decreased HR values at 10 min compared with baseline. The IOP at 20 min was significantly lower compared to the baseline in the DEX10 group. Moreover, the DEX10 group showed increased IOP, HR, SBP, and sedation scale values after induction and intubation compared with 20 min, but these values did not differ significantly from baseline. All parameters of both groups did not change significantly between post-operative and baseline. Conclusion: Intramuscular DEX (10 µg/kg) is an appropriate premedication in ophthalmic examination or surgical procedures. Moreover, it could be combined with tiletamine-zolazepam for generalized anesthesia in dogs with an ophthalmic problem, as it had no clinically significant effects on IOP or cardiovascular values.

Dissociative anaesthesia in dogs and cats with use of tiletamine and zolazepam combination. What we already know about it.

This article is an attempt to gather available literature regarding the use of tiletamine and zolazepam combination in anaesthesia in dogs and cats. Although tiletamine and zolazepam mixture has been known in veterinary practice for a long time, the increased interest in these drugs has been observed only recently. Tiletamine, similarly to ketamine, is a drug which belongs to the phencyclidine group. Ketamine has considerable popularity in veterinary practice what suggests that other dissociative anaesthetic drugs, such as tiletamine, could also prove effective in cats' and dogs' anaesthetic care. Zolazepam is a widely used benzodiazepine known for its muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties. While conducting an electronic search for articles regarding the use of tiletamine-zolazepam combination in dogs and cats, it has been discovered that the literature on the subject (tiletamine-zolazepam combination in dogs and cats) is quite scarce. Very few articles were published after 2010. Databases used were: Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed. Most of the adverse effects, including those affecting the cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory systems, were strictly dose-dependent. Tiletamine-zolazepam combination can be safely used as a premedication agent, induction for inhalation anaesthesia, or an independent anaesthetic for short procedures. Contraindications using tiletamine-zolazepam mixture include central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as epilepsy and seizures, head trauma, penetrative eye trauma, cardiovascular abnormalities (hypertrophy cardiomyopathy in cats, arrythmias or conditions where increase of heart rate is inadvisable), hyperthyroidism, pancreatic deficiencies or kidney failure.

Evaluation of intramuscular anesthetic protocols in healthy domestic horses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess anesthetic induction, recovery quality and cardiopulmonary variables after intramuscular (IM) injection of three drug combinations for immobilization of horses. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, three-way crossover prospective design. ANIMALS: A total of eight healthy adult horses weighing 470-575 kg. METHODS: Horses were administered three treatments IM separated by ≥1 week. Combinations were tiletamine-zolazepam (1.2 mg kg-1), ketamine (1 mg kg-1) and detomidine (0.04 mg kg-1) (treatment TKD); ketamine (3 mg kg-1) and detomidine (0.04 mg kg-1) (treatment KD); and tiletamine-zolazepam (2.4 mg kg-1) and detomidine (0.04 mg kg-1) (treatment TD). Parametric data were analyzed using mixed model linear regression. Nonparametric data were compared using Skillings-Mack test. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: All horses in treatment TD became recumbent. In treatments KD and TKD, one horse remained standing. PaO2 15 minutes after recumbency was significantly lower in treatments TD (p < 0.0005) and TKD (p = 0.001) than in treatment KD. Times to first movement (25 ± 15 minutes) and sternal recumbency (55 ± 11 minutes) in treatment KD were faster than in treatments TD (57 ± 17 and 76 ± 19 minutes; p < 0.0005, p = 0.001) and TKD (45 ± 18 and 73 ± 31 minutes; p = 0.005, p = 0.021). There were no differences in induction quality, muscle relaxation score, number of attempts to stand or recovery quality. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In domestic horses, IM injections of tiletamine-zolazepam-detomidine resulted in more reliable recumbency with a longer duration when compared with ketamine-detomidine and tiletamine-zolazepam-ketamine-detomidine. Recoveries were comparable among protocols.

Physiologic and blood gas effects of xylazine-ketamine versus xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam immobilization of white-tailed deer before and after oxygen supplementation: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare oxygenation and ventilation in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) anesthetized with two treatments with and without oxygen supplementation. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, crossover study. ANIMALS: A total of eight healthy adult white-tailed deer weighing 49-62 kg. METHODS: Each deer was anesthetized twice intramuscularly: 1) treatment XK, xylazine (2 mg kg-1) and ketamine (6 mg kg-1) and 2) treatment XTZ, xylazine (2 mg kg-1) and tiletamine-zolazepam (4 mg kg-1). With the deer in sternal position, arterial and venous blood was collected before and at 30 minutes during administration of oxygen at 1 L minute-1 through a face mask. PaO2 and heart rate (HR) were compared using two-way repeated measures anova. pH, PaCO2 and lactate concentration were analyzed using mixed-effects linear models, p < 0.05. RESULTS: When breathing air, PaO2 was < 80 mmHg (10.7 kPa) in six and seven deer with XK and XTZ, respectively, and of these, PaO2 was < 60 mmHg (8.0 kPa) in three and five deer, respectively. With oxygen supplementation, PaO2 increased to 128 ± 4 and 140 ± 5 mmHg (17.1 ± 0.5 and 18.7 ± 0.7 kPa), mean ± standard error, with XK and XTZ, respectively (p < 0.001). PaO2 was not significantly different between treatments at either time point. HR decreased during oxygen supplementation in both treatments (p < 0.001). Lactate was significantly lower (p = 0.047) with XTZ than with XK (2.2 ± 0.6 versus 3.5 ± 0.6 mmol L-1) and decreased (p < 0.001) with oxygen supplementation (4.1 ± 0.6 versus 1.6 ± 0.6 mmol L-1). PaCO2 increased in XTZ during oxygen breathing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatments XK and XTZ resulted in hypoxemia, which responded to oxygen supplementation. Both treatments are suitable for immobilization of white-tailed deer under the study circumstances.

Field Anesthesia of the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Bolivia.

Fifteen maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) were anesthetized a total of 43 times as part of a long-term ecology and health study in a remote region of northeastern Bolivia. We administered tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) to wolves in box traps or free-ranging, from blinds or on foot, at a mean dosage of 4.6 mg/kg intramuscularly. Detailed anesthetic information was recorded in 24 of these events in 11 wolves (six males, five females), and wolves were monitored closely post procedure with very high frequency or global positioning system telemetry collars. Anesthetic induction was smooth and rapid in all cases, with a mean 6.4 min from injection to recumbency. Vital parameters were stable during the majority of procedures. As expected with this drug combination, recovery was long (mean time to standing 163 min [range: 80-235 min]) but smooth, and animals were monitored in most cases in box traps until stable for release. One case of apnea and prolonged recovery is reported. In two cases, wolves recovered normally but were found to move minimally in the 2.5-4 d postprocedure before resuming normal movements. Overall, TZ provided safe, stable immobilization of free-ranging maned wolves in remote and extreme field conditions, although postanesthesia monitoring via telemetry is recommended.

Comparison of anesthetic effects of tiletamine-zolazepam-medetomidine or ketamine-medetomidine in captive Amur leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptailurus).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects and utility of tiletamine-zolazepam-medetomidine (TZM) and ketamine-medetomidine (KM) for anesthesia of Amur leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptailurus). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized experimental trial. ANIMALS: A total of six female (3.70 ± 0.49 kg) and six male (5.03 ± 0.44 kg; mean ± standard deviation) Amur leopard cats aged 2-6 years. METHODS: Each animal was administered four protocols separated by ≥3 weeks. Each protocol included medetomidine (0.05 mg kg-1) combined with tiletamine-zolazepam (1 mg kg-1; protocol MTZLO); tiletamine-zolazepam (2 mg kg-1; protocol MTZHI); ketamine (2 mg kg-1; protocol MKLO); or ketamine (4 mg kg-1; MKHI) administered intramuscularly. At time 0 (onset of lateral recumbency) and 30 minutes, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), rectal temperature, noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded. Times to onset of lateral recumbency, duration of anesthesia and time to standing were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, animals were anesthetized with all protocols within 10 minutes, anesthesia was maintained ≥57 minutes, and recovery (time from the first head lift to standing) was completed within 5 minutes. During anesthesia with all protocols, HR, fR, rectal temperature, SpO2 and MAP were 99-125 beats minute-1, 33-44 breaths minute-1, 37.6-39.4 °C, 90-95% and 152-177 mmHg, respectively. No adverse event was observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TZM and KM at various dosages resulted in rapid onset of anesthesia, duration of >57 minutes and rapid recovery without administration of an antagonist. Accordingly, all these combinations are useful for anesthetizing Amur leopard cats and for performing simple procedures. However, the low doses of the anesthetic agents are recommended because there was no difference in duration of anesthesia between the dose rates studied.

Field Chemical Immobilization of Free-Ranging Crested Porcupines with Zoletil®: A Reviewed Dosage.

The tiletamine-zolazepam mixture is a widely used anesthetic for chemical immobilization of wild mammals due to its short induction time, good muscle relaxation, smooth recovery with low convulsions occurrence, and minimal effect on respiration. An injection dose of 7-8 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam has been proven to be an effective and safe immobilizing mixture for crested porcupines under field conditions. However, the occurrence of long immobilization and recovery times, with high excitement and convulsion during awakening, were recorded. In order to reduce such side effects after recovery, the effectiveness of a lower dosage (4-6 mg/kg) of tiletamine-zolazepam (Zoletil®) was tested. The results obtained confirm that the use of tiletamine-zolazepam in crested porcupine immobilization provides a quick induction, wide safety margin, and predictable awakening under field conditions. A smaller injection dosage of 5 mg/kg has been proven to be sufficient to ensure a short induction time (average: 7.1 min), with good muscle relaxation and little excitement of the animals during awakening. The lower dosage of tiletamine-zolazepam, while providing a shorter recovery time (average: 53.6 min), proves to be adequate for standard handling procedures. Furthermore, the smaller amount of tiletamine-zolazepam also ensures safe immobilization for pregnant individuals and porcupettes.

NON-INVASIVE BLOOD PRESSURE AND OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA IN CHEMICALLY IMMOBILIZED BROWN BEARS (URSUS ARCTOS).

Free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) were snared and subsequently darted with a combination of xylazine-ketamine in Croatia (n = 5) or darted from a helicopter with a combination of medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam in Scandinavia (n = 20). Three adults and one yearling (1 year old) bear were captured in Croatia, with one adult being captured twice. The Scandinavian bears were divided into Group A (yearlings, n = 7) and Group B (subadults, n = 2 and adults, n = 11). The exertion time (time from activation of the trap or from the start of the helicopter chase to recumbency) and the induction time (time from darting to recumbency) were recorded. The rectal temperature (Tr) was measured as soon as possible after induction and then monitored at frequent intervals (varied between individuals) in immobilized bears. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with a non-invasive method (Korotkoff's technique) every 5 minutes. The heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded every 5 minutes. Reliability of the BP monitoring technique, trends of variation of the physiological variables, and the factors related to the capture were assessed. Both exertion and induction times were longer in Croatian bears than in Scandinavian bears. In Croatian bears, the Tr was either constant or slightly decreasing, with hyperthermia recorded in two individuals (Tr > 39.0° C). In Scandinavian bears, 17 of 20 individuals developed an initial hyperthermia. Four of five bears in Croatia and 17 of 20 bears in Scandinavia showed a decreasing trend in systolic and mean BP over time. According to the Korotkoff method, all bears were hypertensive (mean BP > 130 mmHg) with varying severity, and the systolic pressure was significantly lower in yearlings when compared to subadults and adults. Yearlings had significantly (p < 0.05) higher HR than subadults and adults, however there was no significant differences in RR, SpO2, and Tr between the age groups. All Croatian bears and 13 of 20 Scandinavian bears were moderately to severely hypoxemic (SpO2 < 90%). Further studies with simultaneous invasive and non-invasive (Korotkoff) BP monitoring techniques are required to confirm the accuracy of methods used in this study. The data presented here provides evidence of the physiological impact of different capture methods and chemical immobilization of brown bears in Croatia and Scandinavia.

EVALUATION OF A PARTIALLY REVERSIBLE IMMOBILIZATION PROTOCOL USING MEDETOMIDINE, BUTORPHANOL, ZOLAZEPAM-TILETAMINE, AND KETAMINE IN FREE-RANGING WARTHOGS (PHACOCHOERUS AFRICANUS) IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA.

Twenty-one free-ranging warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, were immobilized with a combination of medetomidine (0.07 ± 0.01 mg/kg), butorphanol (0.26 ± 0.04 mg/kg), tiletamine-zolazepam (0.69 ± 0.15 mg/kg), and ketamine (1.43 ± 0.21 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly by dart. Induction, immobilization, and recovery characteristics were evaluated using a standardized scoring system. In the immobilized warthogs, physiological variables were measured every 5 min and arterial blood gases were analyzed at 15-min intervals. At 45 min after initial drug administration, atipamezole (0.34 ± 0.050 mg/kg) and naltrexone (0.53 ± 0.079 mg/kg) were administered intravenously. Overall, induction quality after darting was scored as excellent and the mean time to safe handling was 5.9 ± 2.0 min. Based on muscle relaxation, and loss of palpebral and pedal reflexes, most subjects (17 out of 21) reached a plane of surgical anesthesia by 10 and 15 min; 20 out of 21 warthogs were in this plane for the duration of the monitoring period. In the immobilized warthogs the overall mean heart rate was 65 ± 15.3 beats per minute, mean respiratory rate was 14.7 ± 5.6 breaths per minute, and the mean rectal temperature was 37.9 ± 1.4°C during the 40 min. Arterial blood gas results showed hypoxemia (mean PaO2 62.1 ± 16.2 mmHg), hypercapnia (mean PaCO2 47.1 ± 5.1 mmHg), and acidemia (mean pH = 7.36 ± 0.04). Values for PaO2 and pH improved over the immobilization period. After antagonist administration, overall recovery quality from immobilization was scored as good, with animals standing at a mean time of 7.3 ± 4.9 min. The drug combination proved to be effective in the immobilization of free-ranging warthogs with rapid induction, good anesthesia, and limited cardiorespiratory changes. This anesthetic protocol produces effective, safe, and partially reversible immobilization in warthogs.

Sedative and physiologic effects of tiletamine-zolazepam following buccal administration in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the sedative and some physiological effects of tiletamine-zolazepam following buccal administration (BA) in cats. METHODS: Seven healthy spayed European shorthair cats (three males, four females) were studied twice in this randomized, blinded, crossover study. Each cat received two doses of tiletamine-zolazepam by BA: the low-dose (LD) group consisted of 5 mg/kg of each drug, and the high-dose (HD) group consisted of 7.5 mg/kg of each. Baseline systolic blood pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and a sedation score were recorded prior to administration of each treatment. The same variables plus the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) were recorded at predefined intervals for the next 2 h. RESULTS: All cats completed the study. No retching or vomiting were observed. Hypersalivation was observed in 0/7 and 3/7 for LD and HD groups, respectively (P = 0.2). There were significant changes in scores over time for posture, response to clippers and response to manual restraint for both groups, without differences between groups. RR, HR and SAP changed significantly over time. SAP and RR were significantly lower for the HD than for the LD group. No values for hemoglobin saturation <95% were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: BA of tiletamine-zolazepam at the doses studied here is a simple and effective method for chemical restraint in cats, where the LD group had a lower impact on SAP and RR than the HD group.

Identification of Tiletamine, Zolazepam and Their Metabolites in Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault by GC-QTOF-MS.

ABSTRACT: Objective To identify tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in samples from drug facilitated sexual assault by gas chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry （GC-QTOF-MS）. Methods Urine samples of victims were collected, and detected by GC-QTOF-MS after liquid-liquid extraction and concentration. The molecular formula of fragments ions was identified by determination of accurate mass numbers, to detect related substances. Results Tiletamine, zolazepam, three metabolites of tiletamine and two metabolites of zolazepam were identified in urine samples from actual cases. Conclusion GC-QTOF-MS provides abundant and accurate information of fragment ions mass numbers, which can be used for qualitative identification of tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in drug facilitated sexual assault.

Efficacy and Animal Welfare Impacts of Novel Capture Methods for Two Species of Invasive Wild Mammals in New Zealand.

All capture methods impose animal welfare impacts, but these impacts are rarely quantified or reported. We present data from two wildlife capture studies that trialled new methods for capturing Bennett's wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand. We used helicopter net-gunning for both species, and compared this method with ground-based netting for wallabies and helicopter darting for red deer, using, for the first time in New Zealand, the fast-acting opioid thiafentanil. Efficacy and animal welfare parameters quantified were duration of handling and recovery, and frequency of adverse events, including escape, injury, and mortality. Cost-effectiveness was quantified for each method. Capture mortalities occurred for all methods for both species. For red deer, chemical immobilisation led to fewer traumatic injuries and fewer mortalities, while for wallabies, net-gunning led to fewer mortalities. Net-gunning was an efficient capture method for deer in open habitat, but led to the escape of 54% of wallabies and one wallaby mortality (4%). Ground-based netting resulted in the mortality of 17% of wallabies at the time of capture, and the capture of non-target species. The cost per captured wallaby was 40% more expensive for net-gunning (NZ$1045) than for ground-based netting (NZ$745), but, once corrected for mortalities at the time of capture and suitability of individuals for GPS-collar deployment, this was reduced to 29% and 12% more expensive, respectively. Net-gunning for red deer resulted in the escape of 13% of animals and mortality of 10% of animals at the time of capture. Helicopter-based darting for red deer using thiafentanil (c. 0.03-0.06 mg/kg) had high capture efficacy (zero escapes), rapid induction times (mean of 3 min), and a low mortality rate at 14 days post-capture (3%), but it was more expensive per deer captured and collared than aerial netting (NZ$2677 and NZ$2234, respectively). We recommend reporting of adverse event data for all wildlife capture techniques to permit continual refinement of field methods.

Comparison between total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and intermittent bolus of tiletamine-zolazepam in capuchin monkey (Sapajus apella) / Comparação entre anestesia total intravenosa com propofol e bolus intermitente de tiletamina-zolazepam em macaco-prego (Sapajus apella)

Dissociative anesthesia results in stressful and long recovery periods in monkeys and use of injectable anesthetics in medical research has to be refined. Propofol has promoted more pleasure wake up from anesthesia. The objectives of this study were to investigate the use of intravenous anesthetic propofol, establishing the required infusion rate to maintain surgical anesthetic level and comparing it to tiletamine-zolazepam anesthesia in Sapajus apella. Eight healthy capuchin monkeys, premedicated with midazolam and meperidine, were anesthetized with propofol (PRO) or tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) during 60 minutes. Propofol was infused continually and rate was titrated to effect and tiletamine-zolazepam was given at 5mg/kg IV bolus initially and repeated at 2.5mg/kg IV bolus as required. Cardiopulmonary parameters, arterial blood gases, cortisol, lactate and quality and times to recovery were determined. Recovery quality was superior in PRO. Ventral recumbency (PRO = 43.0±21.4 vs TZ = 219.3±139.7 min) and normal ambulation (PRO = 93±27.1 vs TZ = 493.7±47.8 min) were faster in PRO (p<0.05). Cardiopulmonary effects did not have marked differences between groups. Median for induction doses of propofol was 5.9mg/kg, varying from 4.7 to 6.7mg/kg, Mean infusion rate was 0.37±0.11mg/kg/min, varying during the one-hour period. In TZ, two animals required three and five extra doses. Compared to tiletamine-zolazepam, minor post-anesthetic adverse events should be expected with propofol anesthesia due to the faster and superior anesthetic recovery. (AU)

A anestesia dissociativa em primatas resulta em recuperação anestésica lenta e estressante, e, portanto, o uso de anestesia injetável em pesquisas médicas precisa ser refinado. Por outro lado, o propofol promove recuperação mais suave. Os objetivos desse estudo foram investigar o uso do anestésico intravenoso propofol, estabelecer a taxa de infusão contínua necessária para manter anestesia cirúrgica, e comparar tal técnica com a dissociativa tiletamina-zolazepam em Sapajus apella. Oito macacos-prego saudáveis foram pré-medicados com midazolam e meperidina, e posteriormente anestesiados com propofol (PRO) ou tiletamina-zolazepam (TZ) durante 60 minutos. O propofol foi administrado em infusão contínua, e a taxa foi titulada ao efeito, já a tiletamina-zolazepam foi administrada em 5mg/kg IV como bolus inicial, e repiques de 2,5mg/kg IV conforme necessário. Os parâmetros cardiopulmonares, hemogasometria arterial, cortisol, e lactato, além da qualidade e duração da recuperação anestésica foram determinados. A qualidade da recuperação anestésica foi superior em PRO. O tempo para atingir decúbito ventral (PRO = 43,0±21,4 vs TZ = 219,3±139,7 min) e ambulação normal (PRO = 93±27,1 vs TZ = 493,7±47,8 min) foram mais rápidos em PRO (p<0,05). As variáveis cardiopulmonares não diferiram entre os grupos. A mediana para dose de indução com propofol foi de 5,9mg/kg, variando de 4,7 a 6,7mg/kg. A taxa de infusão contínua média de propofol foi de 0,37±0,11mg/kg/min, variando ao longo dos 60 minutos. Em TZ, dois animais necessitaram de três e cinco repiques. Comparado à tiletamina-zolazepam, menos efeitos adversos pós-anestésicos devem ser esperados com o propofol, devido à recuperação mais suave e rápida.(AU)

Anesthetic quality and cardiovascular and respiratory effects of continuous intravenous infusion of tiletamine-zolazepam in bitches / Qualidade anestésica e efeitos cardiovascular e respiratória da infusão intravenosa contínua de tiletamina-zolazepam em cadelas

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and recovery from anesthesia promoted by the tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) combination administered intravenously (IV) continuously in bitches pre-medicated with acepromazine. Eight cross-bred, clinically healthy bitches weighing 13.7 ±1.9kg on average were used in this study. After a food fast of 12 h and a water fast of four hours, the animals were treated with acepromazine (0.1mg/kg, intramuscular) and, after 15 minutes, anesthesia was induced with a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam (2mg/kg, IV) immediately followed by continuous IV infusion thereof at a dose of 2mg/kg/h for 60 min. The following parameters were measured in all animals immediately before administration of acepromazine (M15), immediately before anesthetic induction (M0), and at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after initiation of continuous infusion (M5, M10, M20, M30, M40, M50, and M60): electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), and arterial hemogasometry, with the last performed only at experimental times M15, M0, M30, and M60. A subcutaneous electrical stimulator was used to evaluate the degree of analgesia. Myorelaxation and quality of anesthetic recovery were also assessed, classifying these parameters as excellent, good, and poor. Anesthetic recovery time was recorded in minutes. HR increased significantly at time M10 in relation to that at M-15, and at times M5, M10, M40, and M50 in relation to that at M0. MAP decreased significantly at M20 and M30 compared with the baseline. BT decreased significantly at M50 compared with that at M0, but no hypothermia was observed. RR showed significant reduction at M5, M10, and M20 in relation to that at M-15, and at M5 and M10 in relation to that at M0, and bradypnoea was observed during the first 20 min after anesthetic induction. Significant decreases in the PR interval at times M10, M40, and M50 were observed in relation to that at M15. Amplitude of the R wave showed significant decrease at M20 compared with that at M-15. In the other ECG parameters, no significant difference was observed between the times evaluated. Hemogasometric parameters and analgesia did not show significant alterations. Myorelaxation and quality of anesthetic recovery were considered excellent. Recovery time was 15.1±7.7 min for positioning of sternal decubitus and 45.5±23.1 minutes for return of ambulation. Continuous IV administration of TZ combination does not produce satisfactory analgesia and does not cause severe cardiorespiratory and hemogasometric effects in bitches pre-medicated with acepromazine.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade e a recuperação da anestesia promovida pela associação tiletamina-zolazepam, administrada por via intravenosa (IV) contínua, em cadelas pré-medicadas com acepromazina. Foram utilizadas oito cadelas, sem raças definidas, clinicamente sadias, pesando em média 13,7±1,9kg. Após jejum alimentar de 12 horas e hídrico de quatro horas, os animais foram medicados com acepromazina (0,1mg/kg, via intramuscular) e, após 15 minutos, a anestesia foi induzida com a associação tiletamina-zolazepam (2mg/kg, IV) seguida imediatamente pela infusão IV contínua da mesma, na dose de 2mg/kg/h, durante 60 minutos. Os parâmetros que foram mensurados em todos os animais, imediatamente antes da administração da acepromazina (M-15), imediatamente antes da indução anestésica (M0) e, aos 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 minutos após o início da infusão contínua (M5, M10, M20, M30, M40, M50 e M60) foram os seguintes: eletrocardiografia (ECG), frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial média (PAM), frequência respiratória (f), temperatura corpórea (TC) e hemogasometria arterial, esta sendo realizada apenas nos momentos M-15, M0, M30 e M60. Para avaliação do grau de analgesia foi empregado um estimulador elétrico subcutâneo. Também se avaliou o miorrelaxamento e a qualidade da recuperação anestésica, classificando estes parâmetros em: excelente, bom e ruim. O tempo de recuperação anestésica foi registrado em minutos. A FC aumentou significativamente no momento M10 em relação ao M-15, e nos momentos M5, M10, M40 e M50 em relação ao M0. A PAM diminuiu significativamente em M20 e M30 em comparação ao valor basal. A TC diminuiu significativamente em M50 em comparação ao M0, mas não foi observada hipotermia. A f apresentou uma redução significativa nos momentos M5, M10 e M20 em relação ao M-15, e em M5 e M10 em relação ao M0, sendo observado bradipneia durante os primeiros 20 minutos após a indução anestésica. Foram observadas diminuições significativas do intervalo PR nos momentos M10, M40 e M50, em relação ao M-15. A amplitude da onda R apresentou diminuição significativa em M20 em comparação ao M-15. Nos demais parâmetros da ECG não houve diferença significativa entre os momentos avaliados. Os parâmetros hemogasométricos e a analgesia não apresentaram alterações significativas. O miorrelaxamento e a qualidade da recuperação anestésica foram considerados excelentes. O período de recuperação foi de 15,1±7,7 minutos para posicionamento do decúbito esternal e 45,5±23,1 minutos para retorno da deambulação. A administração intravenosa contínua de tiletamina-zolazepam não produz analgesia satisfatória e não causa efeitos cardiorrespiratórios e hemogasométricos severos, em cadelas pré-tratadas com acepromazina.(AU)

Comparison of alfaxalone-medetomidine and tiletamine-zolazepam in rescued common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus).

Forty rescued common palm civets were anesthetized. Twenty animals received intramuscular injections of alfaxalone 5 mg/kg and medetomidine 0.05 mg/kg (A-M group), whereas twenty animals received 5 mg/kg of tiletamine and zolazepam (T-Z group). The A-M group was reversed with atipamazole 0.25 mg/kg. There were no significant differences in the time from anesthetic injection to induction and intubation between the A-M and T-Z groups. The time from the injection of reversal in the A-M group and the time from cessation of isoflurane in the T-Z group to extubation, first response to recovery and ambulation were longer (P<0.05) in the T-Z group. The T-Z group recorded lower (P<0.05) rectal temperatures compared to the A-M group. This study showed that both drug combinations can be used effectively for the immobilization of civets. The A-M combination provided better anesthetic depth, but with higher incidence of bradycardia and hypoxemia. The recovery time was reduced significantly as atipamezole was used as a reversal agent in the A-M combination.