Chemical immobilization of captive Cougars Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771) (Carnivora: Felidae) using a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam, ketamine and xylazine

Main Article Content

Jesús Lescano
Miryam Quevedo
Luis Baselly
Alberto Crespo
Víctor Fernández

Abstract

Handling of large felids is highly risky, hence immobilization is required for the safety of personnel.  Data on the effects of anesthetic drugs used for immobilizing Cougars Puma concolor are scarce. This study describes the anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam (2mg/kg), ketamine (1.6mg/kg) and xylazine (0.4mg/kg) in pumas. Five captive adult and clinically healthy Cougars were included in this study.  Animals were immobilized by remote injection using blow pipe and darts.  The durations of induction, immobilization and recovery periods and their qualities were recorded.  Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and blood pressure were recorded at five minute intervals for 25 minutes.  Then all animals received 0.125mg/kg of yohimbine, intramuscularly administered.  Central tendency and dispersal statistics were calculated for each parameter.  The duration of the induction period was 10.4±6.4 minutes and the duration of the recovery period was 83.3±35.1 minutes. Induction, immobilization and recovery periods were smooth and adequate anesthetic depth was achieved.  The mean heart rate was 122±10 beats/minute, mean respiratory rate was 10±1 breaths/minute, mean body temperature was 39.1±0.2 0C and mean blood pressure was 139±12 mmHg.  No statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in vital parameters over the duration of the assessment.  The tested anesthetic combination effectively immobilized the cougars included in this study and provided safety for the personnel involved.  Though vital signs were not significantly affected, a degree of hypoventilation was observed and respiratory support is recommended when using this anesthetic combination in cougars.

 

Article Details

Section
Communications
Author Biographies

Jesús Lescano, Laboratory of Animal Anatomy and Wildlife, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos University, 2800 Circunvalación Avenue, Lima 30, Peru

Jesús Lescano is a veterinary physician currently working as clinical and research assistant at the Laboratory of Animal Anatomy and Wildlife, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos University, Lima, Peru. His main areas of interest are epidemiology of infectious diseases in wildlife and chemical immobilization of free-ranging and captive wild animals. 

 

Miryam Quevedo, Laboratory of Animal Anatomy and Wildlife, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos University, 2800 Circunvalación Avenue, Lima 30, Peru

Miryam Quevedo is a veterinary physician currently working as professor and chief veterinarian at the Wild and Exotic Animal Clinic, Laboratory of Animal Anatomy and Wildlife, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos University, Lima, Peru. Her main areas of interest are conservation education, wildlife health, and exotic small mammals medicine.

 

Luis Baselly, Research Department, Quistococha Zoo, Km 6.3 Iquitos-Nauta Road, Iquitos, Peru

Luis Baselly is a veterinary physician currently working at the Research Department, Quistococha Zoo, Iquitos, Peru. His main areas of interest are zoological medicine and surgery. 

 

Alberto Crespo, Graduate Studies Unit, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos University, 2800 Circunvalación Avenue, Lima 30, Peru

Alberto Crespo is a veterinary physician currently working as companion animal practitioner. His main areas of interest are ophthalmology and anesthesiology.

 

Víctor Fernández, Small Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos University, 2800 Circunvalación Avenue, Lima 30, Peru

Víctor Fernández is a veterinary physician currently working as Professor and Director at the Small Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos University, Lima, Peru. His main areas of interest are pharmacology and toxicology.

 

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