The use of ketamine hydrochloride as an anesthetic for raccoons

Ketamine hydrochloride was observed to be an effective anesthetic for recently captured raccoons (Procyon lotor) when they were injected intramuscularly with 20-29 mg/kg body weight. Excellent anesthesia occurred from 5 to 15 min after injection. No respiratory difficulties were encountered. The only undesirable clinical sign was excessive salivation.