Anesthesia of the grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) using a combination of ketamine and xylazine, with reversal by atipamezole

Nicholls, P.K., Bailey, T.A., Baker, C.A. and Wilson, K. (1996) Anesthesia of the grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) using a combination of ketamine and xylazine, with reversal by atipamezole. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 27 (1). pp. 49-53.

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Abstract

Twenty grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) were blow-darted with a combination of ketamine and xylazine, resulting in a level of sedation adequate for capture and minor procedures in 13 of them (mean dosages: ketamine, 13.4 mg/kg; xylazine, 16.8 mg/kg). Sedation was judged to be inadequate in seven duikers (mean dosages: ketamine, 9.14 mg/kg; xylazine, 11.4 mg/kg). Sedation was reversed with atipamezole (mean dosage: 1.1 mg/kg) given as a split dose i.v. and i.m. in 19 duikers, resulting in variable reversal of sedation. Complications included inadequate sedation, trauma, hyperthermia, bradycardia, slow recovery, and one death.