Anaesthetic induction with alfaxalone in the ball python ( Python regius ): dose response and effect of injection site

Effect of injection site on alfaxalone‐induced sedation in ball pythons (Python regius)

“…The results of this study demonstrate that the sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of alfaxalone are injection‐site dependent in ball pythons, as previously demonstrated in another study (James et al . ). Administration of alfaxalone at the cranial injection site resulted in significantly deeper and longer sedation compared with administration at the caudal injection site.…”

“…In another study in ball pythons, im administration of 20 mg/kg alfaxalone at a cranial injection site resulted in deeper and longer sedation compared with injection in the caudal third of the body (James et al . ). While this study did not report differences in HR, there were no significant differences in RRs, which is in contrast to the findings of our study.…”

“…While our study did not measure differences in induction times following sc versus im administration, the rapid induction times in this study are comparable to another study evaluating alfaxalone in ball pythons following im administration (James et al . ). Therefore, the sc administration route should be considered for drug administration, since it is perceived to be less painful and similar in efficacy compared with the im route.…”

“…2017, James et al . ). When administered in the pelvic limbs, a significant reduction in drug efficacy has been reported for a variety of anaesthetic and analgesic drugs that undergo hepatic metabolism or excretion, such as dexmedetomidine, ketamine, buprenorphine and alfaxalone.…”

“…2017, James et al . ). Alfaxalone is a neuroactive, synthetic steroid, which acts on neuronal cell membrane chlorine ion transport through its interaction with cell surface GABA‐A receptors to induce sedation and anaesthesia (Jones ).…”