Anaesthesia of Wildlife

Abstract

Of two leopards of similar age and weight, one that received ketamine alone (5 mg/kg) recovered completely after 60 min, while the other received the ketamine dose plus xylazine (0.3 mg/kg) and took 9 hours. In the wild, the second animal would be at risk from predation or aggression. For the same reason, the author does not use acepromazine plus etorphine in ungulates. Acepromazine should not be used 2-3 hours before dusk. Xylazine, which causes vomiting in cats, should not be given simultaneously with ketamine to these animals.