One of the main advantages α 2 -adrenoreceptor agonists have over other sedatives is reversibility. The primary indication for the use of the antagonist drug atipamezole is the reversal of cardiovascular and sedative effects, which may result in shorter recovery time, feature especially attractive in the immobilization of wildlife species.The combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, often used in non-human primates for chemical restraint and anesthesia, seems to provide satisfactory analgesia and muscle relaxation even at low dissociative doses with long duration of action in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). [1][2][3][4] The golden-headed lion tamarin was inadvertently introduced in one of the remaining areas of natural occupation of the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), an endangered species presenting Abstract Background: A smooth and rapid recovery from anesthesia allowing safe release is desirable, especially for wild species. This study describes the clinical effects of the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine and the partial reversal with atipamezole in golden-headed lion tamarins.Methods: Dexmedetomidine 10 μg kg −1 and ketamine 15 mg kg −1 were administered to 45 golden-headed lion tamarins undergoing vasectomy. Following surgery, animals were assigned to three groups: control (SAL; 0.9% NaCl), atipamezole 20 μg kg −1 (ATI20), and atipamezole 40 μg kg −1 (ATI40).
Results and Conclusions:All animals presented great scores of sedation and muscle relaxation during the procedure. Recovery in the control group was smooth and uneventful. Salivation, muscle tremors, and head movements were observed in ATI 20 and ATI40. The administration of atipamezole did not change total recovery times (ATI20 69 ± 23 minutes; ATI40 72 ± 45 minutes; SAL 57 ± 23 minutes).
K E Y W O R D Sanesthesia, new world primates, primates, recovery, α-2 agonist