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Experimental comparison of anaesthesia of the badger
Journal
The Veterinary Journal
-
Volume 167, Issue 2
,
March 2004,
Pages 186-193
Authors
N. S. de Leeuw, G. J. Forrester, P. D. Spyvee, M. G. I. Brash and R.
J. Delahay from the Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York and the Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic,
Stamford Bridge, York
Abstract
The refinement of anaesthetic regimes is central to
improving the welfare of captured wildlife. The badger has been the subject of an
intensive long-term ecological and epidemiological study at Woodchester Park,
Gloucestershire, England. During routine trapping operations (June 21st,
2000–January 23rd, 2001) an experimental trial was conducted on 89 badgers to
compare the physiological effects of anaesthesia using ketamine hydrochloride
alone, and in conjunction with medetomidine hydrochloride and butorphanol tartrate. The mixture induced a significantly longer period of anaesthesia, and
either substantially reduced or eliminated the adverse effects associated with
ketamine anaesthesia (e.g., excessive salivation, bouts of sneezing, rough
recoveries, and muscle rigidity). In a sub-sample of badgers given the mixture,
anaesthesia was reversed using atipamezole hydrochloride. Under ketamine
anaesthesia, heart rates were initially significantly higher and respiration
rates were consistently higher, than in badgers given the mixture. In all
badgers heart rates declined and respiration rates increased during anaesthesia,
but the rate of change was greatest in animals given only ketamine. Overall, the
mixture provided a more balanced anaesthesia characterised by muscle relaxation
and complete unconsciousness.
Keywords
Anaesthesia; Eurasian badger; Ketamine;
Medetomidine; Butorphanol
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