Acepromazine-ketamine anesthesia in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anesthesiology
• Primate Research
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Anesthesia in non-human primates is crucial for research and veterinary care.
• Evaluating safe and effective anesthetic protocols is essential for animal welfare.
• Rhesus monkeys are common models in biomedical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and safety of a combined acepromazine maleate and ketamine hydrochloride anesthetic protocol in adult male rhesus monkeys.
• To determine the induction time, duration, and recovery characteristics of this anesthetic combination.
• To evaluate the suitability of the anesthesia for minor surgical and radiological procedures.

Main Methods:

• Six adult male rhesus monkeys were administered acepromazine maleate and ketamine hydrochloride via intramuscular injection.
• Induction time, depth of anesthesia, and duration were monitored.
• Anesthesia was safely prolonged with additional ketamine doses as needed.
• Recovery time and any adverse effects were recorded.

Main Results:

• The anesthetic combination resulted in a smooth induction within 5 minutes.
• Anesthesia duration averaged slightly less than 1 hour, with safe prolongation possible.
• The depth of anesthesia was adequate for minor surgeries and precise radiological studies.
• No adverse side effects were observed, and animals recovered quickly and completely.

Conclusions:

• Acepromazine maleate and ketamine hydrochloride offer a safe and effective anesthetic protocol for rhesus monkeys.
• This combination provides rapid induction and sufficient anesthetic depth for various procedures.
• The protocol is associated with minimal side effects and rapid recovery, supporting animal welfare in research settings.