Alpha-2 agonist dissociative anesthetic combinations in fallow deer (Cervus dama)

Three anesthetic protocols, each using an alpha-2 agonist sedative in combination with a dissociative anesthetic, were evaluated in 17 captive fallow deer (Cervus dama). The alpha-2 agonist was given first in two of the three protocols: 1) detomidine (0.1-0.2 mg/kg i.m.) followed by tiletamine-zolazepam (3.0-6.3 mg/kg i.m.) and 2) xylazine (0.6-0.9 mg/kg i.m.) followed by tiletamine-zolazepam (4-5 mg/kg i.m.). In the third protocol, xylazine (1.0-6.2 mg/kg i.m.) and ketamine (2.5-5.1 mg/kg i.m.) were given simultaneously. Each of the sedative/anesthetic combinations produced acceptable immobilization in fallow deer and both provide an alternative to narcotic anesthesia.