Immobilization of captive tigers (Panthera tigris) with a combination of tiletamine, zolazepam, and detomidine
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2015 |
Authors: |
P. Laricchiuta, V. De Monte, M. Campolo, F. Grano, A. Crovace, F. Staffieri |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Keywords: |
atipamezole, detomidine, immobilization, panthera tigris, telazol |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the administration of a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam and detomidine (TZD) in 9 tigers (Panthera tigris). Nine captive tigers were immobilized with tiletamine-zolazepam and detomidine administered intramuscularly. At the end of the procedure immobilization was partially reversed with atipamezole. Lateral recumbency was achieved in 15.6 ± 5.9 min. The median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1. The immobilization score [scored 1 (poor) to 6 (too deep)] was 5 (4–5) at all study times. After atipamezole administration, all tigers experienced severe ataxia and incoordination. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 2.5 (range 2–3). No neurologic and/or important adverse reactions were noticed within 5 days after recovery. The combination tiletamine-zolazepam with detomidine proved to be effective in immobilizing captive healthy tigers but it maybe associated with hypertension and ataxia during recovery. Zoo Biol. 34:40–45, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.