Use of dissociative anesthetics for the immobilization of captive bears: blood gas, hematology and biochemistry values.

M. Bush, R. S. Custer, E. E. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nineteen bears, representing five species (Helarctos malayanus, Ursus americanus, Ursus arctos, Tremarctos ornatus, Melursus ursinus) were immobilized a total of 52 times using either phencyclidine-promazine or tiletamine-zolazepam. Blood gas, hematology, and serum biochemistry values were determined during the immobilizations. Immobilizations conducted with tiletamine-zolazepam were characterized by rapid induction and recovery times, good muscle relaxation, and relative freedom from convulsions. Bears immobilized with phencyclidine-promazine had longer induction and recovery times and showed convulsive activity in 29% of the trials with that combination.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)481-489
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of wildlife diseases
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1980
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology

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