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Anesthesia in a Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
C M Trim1, N Lamberski, D I Kissel
1Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.
Summary
Baird's tapir immobilization was successful using detomidine and butorphanol, followed by ketamine and isoflurane for anesthesia. Recovery was rapid and smooth, with satisfactory blood pressure despite hypoxemia and hypoventilation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anesthesiology
- Wildlife Medicine
Background:
- Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is a vulnerable species requiring safe anesthetic protocols for veterinary care.
- Effective immobilization and anesthesia are crucial for diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions in wildlife.
Observation:
- Two immobilization events in a Baird's tapir utilized intramuscular detomidine and butorphanol.
- Anesthesia was induced with intravenous ketamine and maintained with isoflurane, facilitating radiology and surgery.
- Physiological parameters including mean arterial pressure were monitored throughout the procedures.
Findings:
- Anesthesia provided satisfactory conditions for procedures, with rapid and smooth recovery.
- Hypoxemia and hypoventilation were observed when the tapir breathed ambient air.
- No antagonist drugs were required for reversal of anesthesia.
Implications:
- This anesthetic protocol demonstrates a viable option for Baird's tapir immobilization and anesthesia.
- Understanding potential complications like hypoxemia is vital for managing tapir anesthesia.
- The findings contribute to the development of improved veterinary care guidelines for this endangered species.