1
|
Lang DM, Freeman EJ, Griffioen JA, Cannizzo SA, Delaney MA, Huffman A, Rainwater KL. COMPARISON OF SUBCUTANEOUS ALFAXALONE AND SUBCUTANEOUS ALFAXALONE-DEXMEDETOMIDINE FOR SEDATION IN THE HOUSTON TOAD ( ANAXYRUS HOUSTONENSIS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:102-110. [PMID: 38453493 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The Houston toad (Anaxyrus houstonensis), a primarily terrestrial amphibian of south-central Texas, has been listed as federally endangered since 1970. Sedation is an important tool for obtaining diagnostics and providing treatment in this species. This prospective, randomized, and blinded study compared the sedative effects of SC alfaxalone (Protocol A) at approximately 12 mg/kg (median [range] = 12.70 [12.09-13.95] mg/kg] to SC alfaxalone-dexmedetomidine (Protocol AD) at approximately 12 mg/kg (median [range] = 12.68 [12.16-13.56] mg/kg) and 0.1 mg/kg (median [range] = 0.1 [0.07-0.13] mg/kg), respectively, in adult Houston toads (n = 26). Toads from Protocol AD received atipamezole SC at approximately 1 mg/kg (median [range] = 0.96 [0.75-1.25] mg/kg) 45 min postinduction, whereas toads from Protocol A received the equivalent volume of SC sterile saline at the same time point. Heart rate, gular rate, and times to first effect, loss of righting reflex, ability to position for radiographs, loss of nociception, return of righting reflex, and full recovery were recorded. A significantly greater number of toads lost righting reflex, positioned for radiographs, and lost nociception with Protocol AD compared with Protocol A. Additionally, time to return of righting reflex and time to full recovery were significantly longer with Protocol AD than with Protocol A. The protocols did not differ significantly in time to first effect, time to radiographic positioning, or time to loss of nociception. Histologic examination of four toads euthanized during the study revealed acute injection site reactions from all administered drugs, including saline. No clinical adverse reactions were observed. This study demonstrates that the combination of SC alfaxalone and dexmedetomidine results in deeper sedation than SC alfaxalone alone, but also correlates with longer recovery times despite antagonist administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Martha A Delaney
- University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
| | - Amanda Huffman
- University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zec S, Mitchell MA, Rockwell K, Lindemann D. Evaluating the Anesthetic and Physiologic Effects of Intramuscular and Intravenous Alfaxalone in Eastern Mud Turtles ( Kinosternon subrubrum). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:460. [PMID: 38338103 PMCID: PMC10854822 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Current sedation protocols for chelonians can pose a challenge to clinicians because of prolonged induction and recovery times, difficulties in gaining venous access, and natural species variation. This study evaluated the sedative and physiologic effects of intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) alfaxalone in six wild-caught adult eastern mud turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum). The turtles received alfaxalone 10 mg/kg IM and IV in a randomized cross-over design. A 10-day washout period occurred between trials. Baseline parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and reflexes) were assessed prior to injection and every 5 min post-injection until recovery. Three venous blood gas samples were also collected and analyzed over the course of each trial (baseline, induction, and recovery). Intravenous alfaxalone resulted in a significantly faster induction (p = 0.016; median: 1.5 min, 25-75%: 1-7.5, minimum-maximum: 1-21) and a shorter total sedation time (p = 0.041; median: 52 min, 25-75%: 34.5-62.5, minimum-maximum: 33-87) when compared with IM alfaxalone (induction, median: 20 min, 25-75%: 15-22.5, minimum-maximum: 15-25; total, median: 70 min, 25-75%: 65-82.5, minimum-maximum: 65-90). Blood gas and physiologic parameters were not significantly different between groups; however, the pH (p = 0.009) and glucose (p = 0.0001) significantly increased, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (p = 0.024) significantly decreased over time. This study demonstrated that alfaxalone 10 mg/kg IV or IM can be used to provide safe and effective sedation in eastern mud turtles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Zec
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 W. Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA (D.L.)
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Mark A. Mitchell
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 W. Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA (D.L.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Kelly Rockwell
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 W. Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA (D.L.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Dana Lindemann
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 1008 W. Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA (D.L.)
- Sea World, 7007 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vuong KS, Sheley W, Liu M, Carlson AK, Jones MP. Chromatophoromas on the tail of a pet axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) with presumptive metastasis. J Exot Pet Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
|
4
|
Tavares D, da Silva Matos SLB, Duran LM, Castro SA, Taylor EW, Filogonio R, Fernandes MN, Leite CA. Baroreflex responses of decerebrate rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) are comparable to awake animals. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 273:111286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
5
|
DiGeronimo PM, Balko JA. Sedation and Anesthesia of Amphibians. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2021; 25:31-47. [PMID: 34823696 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Amphibians commonly are managed under human care for research, education, conservation, and companionship and frequently are in need of sedation, anesthesia, or end-of-life care involving euthanasia. Objective investigation of sedative and anesthetic protocols in these taxa still is in its infancy, but knowledge of current best practices is paramount to appropriate care. Tricaine methanesulfonate delivered via immersion (bath) is the most common anesthetic agent in amphibians, but several other effective techniques have been identified. This summary provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence-based literature regarding amphibian sedative, anesthetic, and euthanasia techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M DiGeronimo
- Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; Animal & Bird Health Care Center, 1785 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, USA.
| | - Julie A Balko
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Whitehead MC, Hoppes SM, Musser JMB, Perkins JL, Lepiz ML. The Use of Alfaxalone in Quaker Parrots ( Myiopsitta monachus). J Avian Med Surg 2020; 33:340-348. [PMID: 31833302 DOI: 10.1647/2018-393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Alfaxalone is a neurosteroid anesthetic that acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid alpha-receptors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of alfaxalone (Alfaxan CD). Due to observed hyperexcitability in the subject animals when alfaxalone was the only drug used during the initial trials, premedication with midazolam was also evaluated during the final study. Ten adult Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) were assigned to 3 groups: 1) low-dose alfaxalone 10 mg/kg (LD), 2) high-dose alfaxalone 25 mg/kg (HD), and 3) alfaxalone 10 mg/ kg with midazolam 1 mg/kg premedication (AM), administered intramuscularly. Induction time, sedation quality, duration of action, and vital parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, were recorded. All protocols achieved adequate sedation; however, muscle tremors and hyperexcitation were variable. The LD group had a significantly longer mean ± SD induction time (13.5 ± 4.5 minutes) as compared to the HD (6.0 ± 1.3 minutes, P = .002) and AM (6.5 ± 2.9 minutes, P = .006) groups, while recovery time was significantly longer in the HD group (86.2 ± 13.4 minutes) than the LD group (44.4 ± 10.8 minutes, P < .001). Midazolam premedication resulted in reduction of both muscle tremors and hyperexcitation associated with alfaxalone administration, but the recovery time was significantly longer (103.5 ± 15.1 minutes, P < .001) than for the LD group. Alfaxalone as a sole agent resulted in muscle tremors and hyperexcitation during induction, which was attenuated by premedication with midazolam. Further investigation is warranted to characterize the effects of alfaxalone and drugs used to premedicate Quaker parrots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Whitehead
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
| | - Sharman M Hoppes
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
| | - Jeffrey M B Musser
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Jennifer L Perkins
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
| | - Mauricio L Lepiz
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kruse TN, Messenger KM, Bowman AS, Aarnes TK, Wittum TE, Flint M. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone after a single intramuscular or intravascular injection in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2019; 42:713-721. [PMID: 31435964 DOI: 10.1111/jvp.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone was performed in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) after single bolus injections of 10 mg/kg administered intramuscularly (IM; n = 10) or intravenously (IV; n = 10), in a randomized cross-over design with a washout period between doses. Mean (±SD) Cmax following IM injection was 1.6 (±0.8) µg/ml with Tmax at 15.0 (±10.5) min. Area under the curve (AUC) was 84.66 and 104.58 min*mg/ml following IV and IM administration, respectively. Volume of distribution (VD ) after IV dose was 3.0 L/kg. The mean plasma clearance after 10 mg/kg IV was 139.5 (±67.9) ml min-1 kg-1 . Elimination half-lives (mean [±SD]) were 15.0 and 16.1 (±3.0) min following IV and IM administration, respectively. Mean bioavailability at 10 mg/kg IM was 108.6%. None of the ducks achieved a sufficient anesthetic depth for invasive procedures, such as surgery, to be performed. Heart and respiratory rates measured after administration remained stable, but many ducks were hyperexcitable during recovery. Based on sedation levels and duration, alfaxalone administered at dosages of 10 mg/kg IV or IM in mallard ducks does not induce clinically acceptable anesthesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara N Kruse
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kristen M Messenger
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Andrew S Bowman
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Turi K Aarnes
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Thomas E Wittum
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mark Flint
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|