Field anesthesia of wild arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs in the Swedish lapland using medetomidine-ketamine-atipamezole

A safe and effective anesthetic regime for use in arctic fox (Alopex lagopu s) cubs was developed. During July 1996, six free-ranging 6-8-wk-old cubs w ere captured near their den in Vindelfjallen Nature Reserve, Sweden. Medeto midine and ketamine HCl, followed by atipamezole, were selected for the ane sthetic trial because of the well-documented safety and efficacy of this dr ug combination in a broad range of species. The dosage regimen used was 50 mu g/kg medetomidine combined with 2.5 mg/kg ketamine followed by reversal with 250 mu g/kg atipamezole. induction was rapid, with a mean induction ti me of 1 min and 32 sec (range: 58-150 sec). The cubs were anesthetized for a mean time of 18 +/- 5 min (range: 13-25 min). Serially recorded heart rat e, respiratory rate, temperature, and pulse oximetry were stable throughout the anesthetic period for all cubs. Anesthetic depth was suitable for safe handling and minor clinical procedures, including venipuncture. Following atipamezole, all cubs were standing within 12 +/- 7 min (range: 5-24 min) a nd fully recovered at 27 +/- 5 min (range: 19-36 min). This information wil l be useful for future captive breeding and management programs involving t he endangered arctic fox.