Cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of medetomidine-ketamine-butorphanol and antagonism with atipamezole in servals (Felis serval)

Seven (three male and four female) 4-7-yr old captive servals (Felis serval) weighing 13.7 ± 2.3 kg were used to evaluate the cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of combined intramuscular injections of medetomidine (47.4 ± 10.3 μg/kg), ketamine (1.0 ± 0.2 mg/kg), and butorphanol (0.2 ± 0.03 mg/kg). Inductions were smooth and rapid (11.7 ± 4.3 min) and resulted in good muscle relaxation. Significant decreases in heart rate (85 ± 12 beats/min) at 10 min after injection and respiratory rate (27 ± 10 breaths/min) at 5 min after injection continued throughout the immobilization period. Rectal temperature and arterial blood pressure did not change significantly. The PaO₂ decreased significantly, and PaCO₂ increased significantly during immobilization but remained within clinically acceptable limits. Hypoxemia (PaO₂ < 60 mm Hg) was not noted, and arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO₂) was greater than 90% at all times. Relative arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂) values, indicated by pulse oximetry, were lower than SaO₂ values. All animals could be safely handled while sedated. Administration of atipamezole (236.8 ± 51.2 μg/kg half i.v. and half s.c.), an α₂ antagonist, resulted in rapid (4.1 ± 3 min to standing) and smooth recoveries.