title: Medetomidine a novel immobilizing agent for the elephant (Elephas maximus).
abstract: Medetomidine was injected by the intramuscular route at the rates of 3 and 5 microg/kg body weight into two groups of Indian elephants (Elephas maximus). Sedation was induced at 6.20 (0.81) and 5.90 (0.60) min respectively after injection. The duration of anaesthesia was 66.20 (10.4) and 134.20 (24.12) min, respectively and recovery occurred at 125.80 (25.23) and 205.89 (29.3) min. The notable signs of sedation exhibited by the elephants were protrusion of penis, complete relaxation of trunk, flaccidity of tail and drooping of the ears with a head down position. During sedation, physiological parameters recorded were bradycardia, decreased respiration and hypothermia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery & Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati-781 022, Assam, India. aaucvs@ren.nic.in
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sarma
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Pathak
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Sarma
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D004606:Elephants / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D020926:Medetomidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D020926:Medetomidine