Immobilization and anesthesia of two hand-reared zebras
Lin, H.C.; Thurmon, J.C.; Benson, G.J.; Tranquilli, W.J.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 202(6): 988-990
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 8468232 Document Number: 419895
This report describes our experiences with 2 drug combinations that were used safely and effectively to immobilize and anesthetize 2 hand-reared zebras. Zebras were sedated with xylazine hydrochloride or detomidine. The latter is more potent and of more use in healthy, vigorous animals. Anesthesia was induced with thiamylal/guaifenesin or tiletamine/zolazepam. The latter is more convenient because a quick, simple IV injection will preclude the necessity for physical restraint required to administer a large volume of guaifenesin/thiobarbiturate combination. Tracheal intubation was easily accomplished with either induction regimen, and inhalation anesthetic was used for longer periods of anesthesia.