Immobilization of captive tigers (Panthera tigris) with a combination of tiletamine, zolazepam, and detomidine. Issue 1 (18th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laricchiuta, P.; De Monte, V.; Campolo, M.; Grano, F.; Crovace, A.; Staffieri, F.
• Is Part Of: Zoo biology. Volume 34:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2014-08-18
• Subjects: Zoo animals -- Periodicals; 591
• DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-3188

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="zoo21157-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>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 (<italic>Panthera tigris</italic>). 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.</p> </sec> </abstract>