Ketamine-free, midazolam-based protocols have successfully immobilized cervids in the past but their impact on physiological function has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Six deer received IM dexmedetomidine (30.96 ± 3.06 µg/kg) and midazolam (0.31 ± 0.03 mg/kg). Heart rates (HR), respiratory rates (f ), rectal temperature, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded 25 min after drug delivery (T25) and every 5 min until T55. An arterial blood sample was collected at T40. Mean HR and temperature significantly decreased throughout sedation, but were maintained above critical values (> 60 beats/ min and 37°C, respectively). Although not statistically different, f clinically decreased during sedation. MAP remained within acceptable ranges (60–80 mmHg) and SpO2 above 95%. Mean PaO2 was normal (>80 mmHg), but a mild hypoxemia was observed on two occasions. Recovery was smooth yet prolonged, as the first head movement, attempt to stand, sternal recumbency, and standing position were recorded within 9.36 ± 3.47, 10.32 ± 1.37, 13.13 ± 2.70, and 15.34 ± 2.57 min after IM atipamezole, respectively. This protocol was effective for short-term procedures in captive brown brocket deer, and appeared to be safe on the basis of arterial blood gases and cardiorespiratory variables.
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12 January 2021
CARDIORESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE–MIDAZOLAM AND REVERSAL WITH ATIPAMEZOLE IN CAPTIVE BROWN BROCKET DEER (MAZAMA GOUAZOUBIRA)
Luciano Cacciari Baruffaldi Almeida da Silva,
André Augusto Justo,
Jose Heitzmann Fontenelle,
Mario Antonio Ferraro Rego,
Silvia Renata Gaido Cortopassi
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