J. Fernandez-moran et al., Reversible immobilization of Eurasian otters with a combination of ketamine and medetomidine, J WILDL DIS, 37(3), 2001, pp. 561-565
The efficacy and safety of the combination of medetomidine and ketamine was
examined in order to establish an adequate chemical immobilization protoco
l in the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) for use during translocation projects
in Spain. Thirty-eight Eurasian otters ranging in body mass from 3 to 8.7
kg (mean 5.3 kg) were successfully anesthetized on 82 occasions. The dosage
of ketamine was 5.1 +/- 0.8 (3.4-6.6) mg/kg (mean SID; range) combined wit
h medetomidine at a dosage of 51 +/- 8 mug/kg (34-66 mug/kg). In most cases
anaesthetic effect occurred within 3 min and the mean induction time was 5
.5 +/- 3.2 min. The mean pulse rate was 95 beats/min. The mean respiratory
rate was 32 respirations/min while the relative oxyhemoglobin saturation wa
s 93%. According to these results, this anesthetic protocol is considered s
afe and can be recommended in wild caught Eurasian otters for immobilizatio
n during translocation projects. It is safe, rapid and can be reversed when
needed with atipamezole. However caution is required as heart depression r
esulting in bradychardia may occur.