Zoo & wildlife Dr. Maney

Question 1

What drugs are commonly used for lg mammals

Elephants, Rhinos, Bears, Zebras

Hoofstock, Giraffes

Answer 1

high potency opioids

Etorphine

Carfentanil

Question 2

HP Opioid side effects

Answer 2

• Excitation → hyperthermia, capture myopathy

Running, pacing

• Regurgitation or vomiting
• Respiratory depression →

hypoxemia, hypercapnia

• Muscle rigidity
• Renarcotization

Question 3

Opioid antagonists

Answer 3

Naltrexone (preferred) d/t long DoA

Naloxone

Diprenophine = Etorphine reversal

Question 4

Ideal drug protocal for zoo/ wildlife spp

Answer 4

Rapid onset
Narcosis
High therapeutic index (safety margin)
Reversibility
Small volume
Drug stability
+/- Analgesia (tagging, biopsy, surgery)

Question 5

Drug delivery methods

Answer 5

Pole syringe: 3-4 m

Blowgun: 10-15 m

Dart projectors: up to 50 m

Question 6

Dart placement

Answer 6

Large mm of hindlimb preferred

Question 7

special indicators of anesthetic depth

Answer 7

Great apes - Grip strength

Dolphins - swimming reflex

Question 8

What is major issue/concern with exertional (capture) myopathy

Answer 8

Hyperkalemia → cardiac arrhythmia & death!

Question 9

4 recognized capture myopathy syndromes

Answer 9

• *Acute death syndrome (w/in 3-4 hrs)**
• Acidosis, hypoglycemia, hyperthermia*
• *Delayed peracute death syndrome**
• Death 1 day post-capture d/t Vfib*
• *Ataxic-myoglobinuric syndrome**
• Acute renal failure → death in 4-5 days*
• *Muscle-rupture syndrome**
• Hyperflexion of hocks 1-2 days post-capture*

Question 10

Species considerations

Answer 10

Tigers – no telazol
Rhinos – butorphanol combos
Great apes – fentanyl lollipops, benzos in juice
Giraffes – head and neck supported with ladder
Hibernating species – fat deposits, weight changes
Aquatic species – many peculiarities