Alfaxalone Successfully Immobilizes Small Indian Mongooses (Urva auropunctata): A Field Report. (21st June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sauvé, Caroline C.; Rondenay, Yves; Berentsen, Are R.; Rivera‐Rodriguez, Mel J.; Leighton, Patrick A.
• Is Part Of: Wildlife Society bulletin. Volume 45:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 300
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2021-06-21
• Subjects: alfaxalone -- chemical immobilization -- small Indian mongoose -- Urva auropunctata -- wildlife immobilization; Wildlife management -- Periodicals; Wildlife conservation -- Periodicals; 333.9540973
• DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1170
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-7648

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We investigated intramuscular administration of alfaxalone (5.3–10.0 mg/kg) as an immobilizing agent in free‐ranging small Indian mongooses ( Urva auropunctata ) on the island of St. Kitts, West Indies. From 5–11 January 2020, we successfully immobilized 10 of 11 mongooses. Alfaxalone provided rapid onset (median = 3 min) of immobilization. Mean duration of immobilization was 16.8 ± 3 min. Mean recovery time was 5.6 ± 1 min. There was no effect of dose administered on induction, anesthesia, or recovery times at the dose range used. We concluded that alfaxalone represents an effective alternative to dissociative agents for the immobilization of free‐ranging mongooses. Further studies are necessary to quantify alfaxalone effects on mongoose vital rates and blood parameters. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. : Alfaxalone successfully immobilized 91% of mongooses evaluated and provided rapid onset (median = 3.0 min) of immobilization, an appropriate duration of immobilization (16.8 ± 3 min), and a short recovery time (5.6 ± 1 min). Alfaxalone represents an effective alternative to dissociative agents for the immobilization of free‐ranging mongooses.