Ketamine-butorphanol-medetomidine for the immobilisation of free-living hyenas (Crocuta crocuta)
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Date
2024-03-01
Open Access Location
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
Rights
(c) 2024 The Author/s
CC BY-NC 3.0
CC BY-NC 3.0
Abstract
Free-ranging spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are immobilised for a variety of purposes, including wildlife-human conflict mitigation, research, and veterinary treatment. Combinations of tiletamine-zolazepam (Zoletil) and medetomidine are commonly used for immobilisation of hyenas, however, recovery times are long.
In this descriptive study, a total of 20 adult or subadult free-ranging hyenas were immobilised near Skukuza in the Kruger National Park using ketamine, butorphanol, and medetomidine. The goal of the study was to evaluate a suitable dose and measure cardiorespiratory effects of this combination. The quality of induction and recovery were scored using an established scoring system from 1 (excellent) to (poor).
Twelve of the 20 hyenas were given an induction score of 1 (excellent), five an induction score of 2 (good), and three an induction score of 3 (fair). Of the animals with induction score = 1, the mean drug dose was 1.17 mg/kg ketamine, 0.25 mg/kg butorphanol and 0.03 mg/kg medetomidine, and the mean induction time and time to handling 6:25 minutes and 9:46 minutes respectively. The mean recovery time (from reversal to standing) was 10:16 min, which is shorter than what has been reported for tiletamine-zolazepam-based combinations in hyenas. Most hyenas were bradycardic (< 40 beats per minute) and the mean PaO2 69.5 mmHg. Three hyenas, one with induction score = 2, and two with induction scores = 3 spontaneously recovered at 33, 44 and 56 minutes post approach respectively. Regardless of induction time, all hyenas reached a level of surgical anaesthesia while immobilised.
Overall, ketamine-butorphanol-medetomidine (KBM) was effective in immobilising hyenas but induction times varied, and animals were bradycardic during immobilisation.
Description
Keywords
spotted hyena, ketamine, butorphanol, medetomidine, capture
Citation
Roug A, Meyer L, Netshitavhadulu L, Leiberich M, Buss P. (2024). Ketamine-butorphanol-medetomidine for the immobilisation of free-living hyenas (Crocuta crocuta). Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 95. 1. (pp. 35-42).