Evaluation of xylazine for chemical restraint of captive arctic wolves
Philo, L.M.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 173(9): 1163-1166
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 738938 Document Number: 136744
Xylazine at dosages of 2.7 to 3.9 mg/kg of body weight was administered to 23 captive arctic wolves (Canis lupus). The optimal dosage was higher for excited and socialized adults and lower for juveniles than for unexcited unsocialized adults. Mean time to initial effect was 2.5 minutes and mean time to sternal recumbency was 3.7 minutes. Maximal effect was achieved within 15 minutes, with adequate sedation lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Mean recovery time was longer for old (>7-year-old) adults than for young (2- to 3-year-old) ones (2.4 vs 1.7 hours). Induction of and recovery from barbiturate anesthesia was smooth and quiet. Although a few adverse reactions were found, the use of xylazine with physical restraint was an excellent combination for many clinical procedures.