Use of Ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride to immobilize black bears (Ursus americanus).
Ketamine hydrochloride (KH) and xylazine hydrochloride (XH) used in combination (KH-XH) were effective immobilants for captive and wild black bears (Ursus americanus). Single intramuscular injections of 1.5-17.1 mg of KH per kg body weight combined in an approximate ratio of 2:1 with 0.9-10.0 mg of XH per kg body weight immobilized bears for 1.5-197 min. Dosages most frequently used were 4.5-9 mg KH/kg with 2-4.5 mg XH kg. Supplemental administrations maintained tractability for up to 31 h. Immobilization was characterized by smooth induction, relaxed muscles, occasional groaning and vomition, no eye closure, no defecation, and a smooth recovery phase of variable length. Male and female bears responded similarly to KH-XH. Induction times for small bears (less than or equal to 25 kg) were shorter than for larger bears.
D000818:Animals; D002335:Carnivora; D005260:Female; D007103:Immobilization; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007649:Ketamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D013843:Thiazines; D013997:Time Factors; D001503:Ursidae; D014991:Xylazine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D013843:Thiazines; D014991:Xylazine; D007649:Ketamine