PS 58-138
Novel use of a reversible field anesthetic in small non-game mammals
Many animals must be anesthetized in order to safely and humanely collect blood or tissue samples; however, options for field anesthetics are somewhat limited, particularly for small, non-game mammals. We evaluated the efficacy of a reversible field anesthetic, “BAM II” (Butorphanol, Azaperone, Medetomidine) in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris). BAM II is widely used in large, game mammals, but has not been tested in smaller, non-game animals.
Results/Conclusions
We found that BAM II dosages ranging from 0.2ml – 0.25ml were most effective and marmots were effectively anesthetized using as little as 0.06 ml /Kg BAM II. We found no relationship between the dosage of BAM II and the time to 1st effects, sternal time or approachable time. Increasing dosages of BAM II were associated with less excitability and muscle rigidity, as well as a better overall quality of anesthesia. BAMII differentially affected vital signs, as heart rates increased considerably during anesthesia; however, these changes lessened with increasing time under anesthesia. There was no relationship between heart rate, oxygen saturation or body temperature and the dosage of BAM II. Reversal drugs showed a wide dosage range, as additional reversal drugs were not required at even the lowest volumes. Marmots were successfully reversed using as little as 1.46 mg/ml atipamezol and 2.43 mg/ml naltrexone. Overall, our results indicate that BAM II is a safe and effective reversible field anesthetic for use in small, non-game mammals. The ability to quickly induce and reverse the effects of anesthesia reduce handling and processing times, ultimately reducing stress to wildlife during collection of biological data.