Efficacy of two methods of intranasal administration of anaesthetic drugs in red-eared terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ketamine, dexmedetomidine, atipamezole and alfaxalone delivered by two methods of intranasal administration in terrapins. The two methods were used in 21 healthy adult female red-eared terrapins: (A) with fully extended neck and restrained head, (B) with head hidden inside the shell. Ketamine (10 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) were delivered using a micropipette in the left and the right naris, respectively. Atipamezole (2 mg/kg) was administered 60 minutes later. Heart rate, head withdrawal reflex, palpebral reflex, toe-pinch reflex on the pelvic limb and glottal control enabling the insertion of the tracheal tube were recorded at 10-minute intervals. After a washout period of six months, alfaxalone (5 mg/kg) was tested. The first measurement in the alfaxalone trial started 5 minutes after the drug was administered and continued at 10-minute intervals. Heart rate decreased significantly in response to both methods of ketamine and dexmedetomidine administration. There were no significant differences between methods in time to loss of reflexes and full recovery of reflexes. Intranasal administration of atipamezole enabled rapid return to full activity. Alfaxalone administration decreased heart rate non-significantly and did not result in loss of evaluated reflexes. Both methods of drug administration of ketamine, dexmedetomidine and atipamezole resulted in a safe form of sedation and recovery. Intranasal administration of 5 mg/kg of alfaxalone was not effective.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reveals high cardiac ejection fractions in red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius)

“…A line of identity and regression lines for the use of slice volume measurements and the ellipsoid equation, all with the intercept constrained to 0, are indicated. (Cermakova et al, 2018;Comeau and Hicks, 1994;Crossley et al, 1998;Joyce et al, 2018). The failure of atropine to increase f H was unexpected, particularly given the marked effects on the pulmonary circulation that also obey an inhibitory vagal influence (Burggren, 1975), and may be attributed to the isoflurane anaesthesia.…”

Translocation of southern mountain caribou using a soft-release technique

“…It is commonly used in children and has recently gained popularity in veterinary medicine, with its use reported in several avian, mammalian and reptilian species (Al-Shebani, 2011;Cattet at al. 2004;Cermakova et al, 2018;Emery et al, 2014;Jafarbeglou & Marjani, 2019;Lahat et al, 2000;Malmros Olsson et al, 2021;Mans et al, 2012;Moghadam et al, 2099;Santangelo et al, 2016;Schnellbacher et al, 2012;Vesal & Eskandari, 2006;Vesal & Zare, 2006). The IN route of administration was chosen over the intravascular route to allow for prompt systemic administration of the drug without needing to access a vein as this can be challenging in a net gunned animal.…”

Circulating miRNome of Trachemys scripta after elective gonadectomy under general anesthesia

“…Alpha-2 agonists are used in combination with other molecules for sedation and myorelaxation 40 , 41 , stimulating central and peripheral α 2 -adrenergic receptors decreasing excitability, and provide analgesia 42 ; their effects can be antagonized with specific antagonists such as atipamezole 40 . Ketamine, acting as N -methyl -d -aspartate (NMDA) glutamate central and peripheral receptor antagonist, is a dissociative anesthetic drug frequently used in reptilian practice in combination with other drugs (multimodal anesthesia regimen) to reduce side effects and recovery time 13 , 40 , 43 – 45 . Ovariectomy in animals is a relatively standardized source of moderate soft tissue pain, making it suitable for clinical studies 46 .…”