Clinical Evaluation of Xylazine for Chemical Restraint of Captive Arctic Wolves ('Canis lupus')

• Main Author: Philo,L. Michael
• Other Authors: ARMY RESEARCH INST OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE NATICK MASS
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1978
• Subjects: Pharmacology; *ANALGESICS; *MUSCLE RELAXANTS; *SEDATION; RESTRAINT; WILDLIFE; ARCTIC REGIONS; *Xylazine; Wolves; Canis lupus; Arctic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA059370; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA059370

Xylazine at doses of 2.7 to 3.9 mg/kg was administered to 23 captive arctic wolves over a period of 2 1/2 years. Optimum dose was higher for excited and socialized adults and lower for juveniles that for unexcited unsocialized adults. Time to initial effect averaged 2.5 minutes, and sternal recumbency occurred at 3.7 minutes. Maximal effect was achieved by 15 minutes with adequate sedation lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Mean recovery time was longer for older adults than for younger ones (2.4 vs 1.7 hours). Induction of and recovery from intravenous barbiturate general anesthesia was smooth and quiet in xylazine-premedicated animals. Although a few adverse reactions were found, the use of xylazine with physical restraint was an excellent combination for many clinical procedures. (Author)