A preliminary investigation into the immobilising potential of a tiletamine/zolazepam mixture, metomidate, a metomidate and azaperone combination and medetomidine in ostriches (Struthio camelus).
Ostrich chicks (n = 34) were successfully immobilised with intramuscular injections of a tiletamine/zolazepam mixture at dosages of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg kg-1; with metomidate at dosages of 15 and 20 mg kg-1 and with a metomidate/azaperone combination at respectively 20 and 6.6 mg kg-1, and 10 and 3.3 mg kg-1. Unsatisfactory immobilisation with violent body movements and self traumatisation were observed in an adult ostrich after the intramuscular administration of a tiletamine/zolezepam mixture. Anaesthesia was achieved by the administration of metomidate in combination with azaperone. Medetomidine administered at a dosage rate of 0.1 mg kg-1 did not result in immobilisation of ostrich chicks (n = 4). Findings in ostrich chicks should not necessarily be extrapolated to adult birds.
van Heerden
J
J
Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa.
Keffen
R H
RH
D000818:Animals; D001376:Azaperone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D020926:Medetomidine; D013992:Tiletamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015041:Zolazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D007093:Imidazoles; D001376:Azaperone; D013992:Tiletamine; D015041:Zolazepam; D020926:Medetomidine