USE OF KETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND XYLAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TO IMMOBILIZE BLACK BEARS (Ursus americanus)

1 April 1979

journal article
research article
Published by Wildlife Disease Association in Journal of Wildlife Diseases

Vol. 15 (2) , 253-258
https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-15.2.253

Abstract

Ketamine hydrochloride (KH) and xylazine hydrochloride (XH) used in combination (KH-XH) were effective immobilants for captive and wild black bears (U. americanus). Single i.m. injections of 1.5-17.1 mg of KH/kg body weight combined in an approximate ratio of 2:1 with 0.9-10.0 mg of XH/kg body weight immobilized bears for 1.5-197 min. Dosages most frequently used were 4.5-9 mg KH/kg with 2-4.5 mg XH/kg. Supplemental administrations maintained tractability for up to 31 h. Immobilization was characterized by smooth induction, relaxed muscles, occasional groaning and vomition, no eye closure, no defecation and a smooth recovery phase of variable length. Male and female bears responded similarly to KH-XH. Induction times for small bears (.ltoreq. 25 kg) were shorter than for larger bears.

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