title: Surgical implantation of radiotelemetry devices in American river otters.
abstract: The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation elected to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing American river otters (Lutra canadensis) into Oklahoma waterways. Intra-abdominal radiotelemetry devices were selected to monitor otter movements following release. For implantation of those devices, the anesthetic regimen included a mixture of ketamine HCl, xylazine, and acepromazine maleate given intramuscularly followed by delivery of isoflurane through precision vaporizers. A ventral midline approach and adherent surgical barrier drapes facilitated aseptic placement of the devices, with minimal tissue damage and loss of insulating pelage. Absorbable monofilament suture (polydioxanone) was used in a buried 3-layer closure of surgical incisions. The incisions healed rapidly and without complications.
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary; D000777:Anesthetics; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000601:surgery; D001831:Body Temperature; D002335:Carnivora / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D007103:Immobilization; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D009825:Oklahoma; D010041:Otters / Q000601:surgery*; D012119:Respiration; D013686:Telemetry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics