USE OF DISSOCIATIVE ANESTHETICS FOR THE IMMOBILIZATION OF CAPTIVE BEARS: BLOOD GAS, HEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY VALUES

Abstract
Nineteen bears representing 5 spp. (Helarctos malayanus, Ursus americanus, U. arctos, Tremarctos ornatus, Melursus ursinus) were immobilized 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.

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