title: Comparison of intravenous medetomidine and medetomidine/ketamine for immobilization of free-ranging variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus).
abstract: Medetomidine (0.03 mg/kg) and medetomidine/ketamine (0.05/5.0 and 0.025/2.5 mg/kg), administered by intravenous injection, were evaluated for short-term immobilization of wild-caught variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus). Medetomidine alone produced incomplete chemical restraint and a stressful, prolonged induction. Both ketamine/medetomidine doses produced a smooth induction and complete immobilization. The combined medetomidine/ketamine dose of 0.025/2.5 mg/kg produced a rapid induction (232±224 sec) with minimal struggling and vocalization, a complete and effective immobilization period, and tended to lead to a faster and better quality recovery than medetomidine alone or a higher dose of medetomidine and ketamine (0.05/5.0 mg/kg), thus reducing holding time and permitting an earlier release of the bat back into the wild.
authors: EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America. epstein@ecohealthalliance.org
authors: Jonathan H
authors: JH
authors: Epstein
authors: Jennifer A
authors: JA
authors: Zambriski
authors: Melinda K
authors: MK
authors: Rostal
authors: Darryl J
authors: DJ
authors: Heard
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Daszak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002685:Chiroptera / Q000502:physiology*; D005426:Flight, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D007103:Immobilization; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007649:Ketamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020926:Medetomidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007649:Ketamine; D020926:Medetomidine