Medetomidine a novel immobilizing agent for the elephant (Elephas maximus).

Abstract

Medetomidine was injected by the intramuscular route at the rates of 3 and 5 microg/kg body weight into two groups of Indian elephants (Elephas maximus). Sedation was induced at 6.20 (0.81) and 5.90 (0.60) min respectively after injection. The duration of anaesthesia was 66.20 (10.4) and 134.20 (24.12) min, respectively and recovery occurred at 125.80 (25.23) and 205.89 (29.3) min. The notable signs of sedation exhibited by the elephants were protrusion of penis, complete relaxation of trunk, flaccidity of tail and drooping of the ears with a head down position. During sedation, physiological parameters recorded were bradycardia, decreased respiration and hypothermia.

• Authors: B Sarma, S C Pathak, K K Sarma
• Journal: Research in veterinary science (Res Vet Sci) Vol. 73 Issue 3 Pg. 315-7 (Dec 2002) ISSN: 0034-5288 [Print] England
• PMID: 12443692 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
• Hypnotics and Sedatives
• Medetomidine

Topics

• Adrenergic alpha-Agonists (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Animals
• Body Temperature (drug effects)
• Elephants (physiology)
• Female
• Heart Rate (drug effects)
• Hypnotics and Sedatives (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Immobilization
• Male
• Medetomidine (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Respiration (drug effects)