Effects of Butorphanol on Respiration in White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) Immobilized with Etorphine-Azaperone

This article reports on respiratory function in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) immobilized with etorphine-azaperone and the changes induced by butorphanol administration as part of a multifaceted crossover study that also investigated the effects of etorphine or etorphine-butorphanol treatments. Six male white rhinoceros underwent two immobilizations by using 1) etorphine-azaperone and 2) etorphine-azaperone-butorphanol. Starting 10 min after recumbency, arterial blood gases, limb muscle tremors, expired minute ventilation, and respiratory rate were evaluated at 5-min intervals for 25 min. Alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient, expected respiratory minute volume, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production were calculated. Etorphine-azaperone administration resulted in hypoxemia and hypercapnia, with increases in alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production, and a decrease in expired minute ventilation. Muscle tremors were also observed. Intravenous butorphanol administration in etorphine-azaperone-immobilized white rhinoceros resulted in less hypoxemia and hypercapnia; a decrease in oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and expired minute ventilation; and no change in the alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient and rate of breathing. We show that the immobilization of white rhinoceros with etorphine-azaperone results in hypoxemia and hypercapnia and that the subsequent intravenous administration of butorphanol improves both arterial blood oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures.

RETROSPECTIVE COMPARISON OF FIVE DRUG PROTOCOLS FOR IMMOBILIZATION OF CAPTIVE SABLE ANTELOPE (HIPPOTRAGUS NIGER)

Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), a large, dominant species, often require chemical immobilization for captive management. Despite several recorded protocols, limited objective or subjective data are available to guide chemical immobilization of this species. This study retrospectively compared immobilization drug combinations of carfentanil-xylazine (CX), thiafentanil-xylazine (TX), etorphine-xylazine (EX), carfentanil-acepromazine (CA), and butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM) for healthy sable antelope at one institution. Clinically applicable physiologic measures, subjective ratings, and timing of anesthetic milestones of 161 events for 107 individuals revealed the following statistically significant findings (P < 0.05). Induction ratings were best for TX, highest degree of muscle relaxation occurred with BAM and TX, and anesthetic ratings were best for TX and EX. Time to recovery was longest and complications 2.56 times more likely with CX. Time to recumbency was shortest in TX. Heart rate was highest in CA and lowest in BAM. For immobilization procedures, this study suggests TX would be the preferred combination for H. niger. However, all drug combinations evaluated can be used successfully to immobilize H. niger, and certain combinations may be situationally preferred based on desired muscle relaxation, expected induction or recovery times, or anticipated procedure length.

Characteristics of Patients Presenting at a University Outpatient Department for Complementary and Integrative Medicine

BACKGROUND

Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) is increasingly provided at university outpatient departments (OPDs) in Germany, but its scientific evaluation is sparse. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and evaluate feasibility, patients' characteristics and complaints at a university's CIM-OPD.

METHODS

A prospective evaluation included new patients without age restriction. At baseline, and after 6 and 12 months, patients filled out paper questionnaires. Patients rated their mean subjectively perceived severity of the main complaint within the last 7 days on a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 = no complaints to 10 = maximum complaints, their perceived resilience capacity in everyday life within the last 7 days (0 = not resilient to 10 = very resilient), and their contentment with the treatment (0 = not content to 10 = very content). Diagnoses were provided by physicians and coded according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision. All data were analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

During two years, 536 new patients {72.6% response, age (mean ± standard deviation [SD] and range) 49.6 ± 15.8 and 1-86 years, 75.7% female} chose to participate. The most frequent diagnosis groups were neoplasms (C00-C97, n = 143, 18.6%) and musculoskeletal diseases (M00-M99, n = 137, 17.9%). In n = 165 patients (30.8%), more than one diagnosis was provided. In a subgroup of 187 patients, who returned the questionnaire after 6 months, we compared baseline to 6-month values: severity of main complaint (mean ± SD) 5.2 ± 2.6 changed to 3.9 ± 2.6; resilience capacity 5.1 ± 2.6 to 5.6 ± 2.4. After 6 months, respondents rated their contentment with the treatment with (mean ± SD) 7.7 ± 2.6. Data after 12 months (n = 113) are comparable to data after 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Patients of our CIM-OPD had a broad age range, were predominantly female, and suffered mostly from oncologic-related complaints and musculoskeletal diseases. In the responding subgroup after 6 months, patients were content with the treatment. These results should be verified by further prospective evaluations.

Hintergrund

Komplementäre und integrative Medizin (CIM) wird in Deutschland zunehmend in Hochschulambulanzen (OPDs) angeboten, deren wissenschaftliche Evaluation ist jedoch unzureichend. Deshalb war es unser Ziel, die Durchführbarkeit einer Evaluation, die Charakteristika und die Beschwerden der Patienten und Patientinnen an einer CIM-ODP zu untersuchen.

Methoden

Eine prospektive Evaluation schloss neue Patienten und Patientinnen ohne Altersbeschränkung ein. Zu Baseline sowie nach sechs und 12 Monaten füllten die Patienten und Patientinnen Papierfragebögen aus. Die Patienten und Patientinnen bewerteten ihre mittlere subjektiv empfundene Schwere der Hauptbeschwerden in den letzten sieben Tagen auf einer numerischen Ratingskala (NRS) von 0 = keine Beschwerden bis 10 = maximale Beschwerden, ihre mittlere subjektiv empfundene Belastbarkeit im Alltag in den letzten sieben Tagen (0 = nicht belastbar bis 10 = sehr belastbar) und ihre Zufriedenheit mit der Behandlung (0 = nicht zufrieden bis 10 = sehr zufrieden). Die Diagnosen wurden von den Ärzten und Ärztinnen gestellt und nach der International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10. Revision, kodiert. Die Daten wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Im Laufe von zwei Jahren nahmen 536 neue Patienten und Patientinnen (72.6% Rücklauf, Alter (Mittelwert ± SD und Range) 49.6 ± 15.8 und 1–86 Jahre, 75.7% weiblich) teil. Die häufigsten Diagnosen waren Neoplasmen (C00-C97, n = 143, 18.6%) und Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparates (M00-M99, n = 137, 17.9%). Bei n = 165 (30.8%) Patienten und Patientinnen wurde mehr als eine Diagnose vergeben. In einer Subgruppe von 187 Patienten und Patientinnen, die den Fragebogen nach 6 Monaten zurücksendeten, verglichen wir die Ausgangs-und 6-Monats-Werte: Schweregrad der Hauptbeschwerden (Mittelwert±SD) 5.2 ± 2.6 veränderte sich zu 3.9 ± 2.6; Belastbarkeit 5.1 ± 2.6 zu 5.6 ± 2.4. Nach sechs Monaten bewerteten die Befragten ihre Zufriedenheit mit der Behandlung mit (Mittelwert±SD) 7.7 ± 2.6. Die Daten nach 12 Monaten (n = 113) sind mit den Daten nach 6 Monaten vergleichbar.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Patienten und Patientinnen unserer CIM-OPD hatten eine breite Altersspanne, überwiegend weiblich und litten zumeist unter onkologisch bedingten Beschwerden und Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparates. Patienten und Patientinnen der nach sechs Monaten antwortenden Subgruppe waren mit der Behandlung zufrieden. Die Ergebnisse sollten durch weitere prospektive Evaluationen verifiziert werden.

COMPARISON OF ETORPHINE–DETOMIDINE AND MEDETOMIDINE–KETAMINE ANESTHESIA IN CAPTIVE ADDAX (ADDAX NASOMACULATUS)

Thirty-five anesthetic events involving 15 captive addax (Addax nasonzaculatus) were performed between August 1998 and February 2002 using a combination of etorphine (33.7 +/- 7.9 microg/kg) and detomidine (21.9 +/- 4.6 microg/ kg) or a combination of medetomidine (57.4 +/- 8.6 microg/kg) and ketamine (1.22 +/- 0.3 microg/kg), with or without supplemental injectable or inhalant anesthetic agents. Etorphine-detomidine anesthesia was antagonized with diprenorphine (107.1 +/- 16.4 microg/kg) and atipamezole (100.9 +/- 42.4 microg/kg). Medetomidine-ketamine anesthesia was antagonized with atipamezole (245.3 +/- 63.4 microg/kg). Animals became recumbent within 5 min when the combination of etorphine and detomidine was used and within 11 min when the combination of medetomidine and ketamine was used. Both drug combinations were suitable for use as primary immobilizing agents producing short-duration restraint and analgesia. Bradycardia was noted with both combinations. Further investigation of the cardiopulmonary effects of both combinations is warranted.

Rectal prolapse associated with a healed pelvic fracture in a pregnant free-ranging African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Part 1: anaesthesia

Anaesthesia was required in a heavily-pregnant, adult, free-ranging African black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis with a rectal prolapse for examination and possible treatment. The animal was immobilised with 4.5 mg etorphine and 60 mg azaperone. For continued observation, the immobilised animal was transported to a boma. Additional etorphine and azaperone were administered to keep the animal anaesthetised during treatment and transport. In addition, 15 mg nalorphine was administered during this time to improve ventilation and reduce muscle rigidity. Sixty hours later, in preparation for surgery, 2.5 mg etorphine and 40 mg azaperone were administered, followed by endotracheal intubation and halothane anaesthesia. During anaesthesia, a decrease in tidal volume was observed. Venous blood-gas analysis indicated a decrease in the oxygen partial pressure, and a mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis. Cardiac arrest was preceded by an increase in heart rate and tidal volume after 80 min of inhalation anaesthesia.

A simple method of providing intermittent positive-pressure ventilation to etorphine-immobilized elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the field

Five African elephants (Loxodonta africana) were immobilized with etorphine in Waza National Park, Cameroon, for the purpose of deploying radio/satellite tracking collars. A portable ventilator constructed from two high-flow demand valves and the Y-piece of a large animal anesthesia circuit was used to provide intermittent positive-pressure ventilation with 100% oxygen. Oxygenation status improved dramatically in all five elephants. In one hypoxemic elephant, arterial PaO2 increased from 40 to 366 mm Hg. The results of this study demonstrate that both oxygenation and ventilation can be readily controlled in etorphine-immobilized elephants even under remote field conditions.

A practical anesthesia monitoring protocol for free-ranging adult African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

Twenty free-ranging adult African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in northern Botswana were immobilized with a mean (+/- SD) of 9.5 +/- 0.5 mg etorphine hydrochloride and 2,000 IU hyaluronidase by intramuscular (IM) dart. The mean time to recumbency was 8.7 +/- 2.4 min. All animals were maintained in lateral recumbency. The anesthesia monitoring protocol included cardiothoracic auscultation; palpation of auricular pulse for quality and regularity; checking of rectal temperature, and monitoring of respiratory and heart rates. Results of basic physiologic measurements were similar to those of previous field studies of African elephants immobilized with etorphine or etorphine-hyaluronidase. In addition, continuous real-time pulse rate and percent oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SpO2) readings were obtained on 16 elephants with a portable pulse oximeter. Duration of pulse oximetry monitoring ranged from 3 to 24 min (mean +/- SD = 8.2 +/- 4.8 min). Differences between minimum and maximum SpO2 values for any given elephant ranged from 1 to 6 percentage points, evidence for relatively stable trends. The SpO2 readings ranged from 70% to 96% among the 16 elephants, with a mean of 87.3 +/- 2.8%. Fifteen of 16 elephants monitored with a pulse oximeter had mean SpO2 values > or = 81 +/- 2.4%, with 11 having mean SpO2 values > or = 85 +/- 1.5%. All 20 animals recovered uneventfully following reversal: diprenorphine at 23.3 +/- 1.5 mg intravenous (IV) with 11.7 +/- 0.5 mg IM, or 24 mg diprenorphine given all IV.

Isoflurane anesthesia in a rhinoceros

During surgical exploration of the reproductive tract of a 15-year-old female white rhinoceros, anesthesia was maintained by administration of isoflurane in oxygen. Anesthesia was induced with IM administration of etorphine, and, to facilitate endotracheal intubation, muscle relaxation was achieved by IV administration of additional etorphine, acepromazine maleate, guaifenesin, and thiamylal sodium. Minor complications encountered during the anesthetic monitoring period included hypoventilation and ventilation/perfusion inequality, which contributed to hypoxemia. Recovery was not evaluated because the rhinoceros was euthanatized at the end of the surgical procedure.

Anaesthesia of laboratory rabbits using etorphine/methotrimeprazine and midazolam

The use of etorphine (a potent mu-opioid), methotrimeprazine (a phenothiazine tranquilizer) and midazolam (a benzodiazepine) in laboratory rabbits is described. The central ear artery was cannulated under local anaesthesia using lignocaine/prilocaine cream, enabling cardiovascular monitoring in conscious animals. Anaesthesia was characterized by respiratory arrest, profound analgesia and a stable cardiovascular system (after commencing intermittent positive pressure ventilation). Reversal of anaesthesia with buprenorphine (a partial mu agonist) did not reduce the degree of post-operative respiratory depression, but shortened the period of unconsciousness considerably. This anesthetic regimen can only be recommended for rabbits that are free of respiratory disease and if facilities for IPPV are available.

Cardiopulmonary effects of three prolonged periods of isoflurane anesthesia in an adult elephant

An adult 3,500-kg female African elephant was anesthetized 3 times for treatment of subcutaneous fistulas over the lateral aspect of each cubitus (anesthesia 1 and 2) and for repair of a fractured tusk (anesthesia 3). Lateral recumbency and anesthesia were achieved with etorphine (anesthesia 1 and 2) or etorphine and azaperone (anesthesia 3). The elephant's trachea was intubated and anesthesia was maintained by use of isoflurane and oxygen delivered via 2 standard large animal anesthesia machines joined in parallel. The range of total recumbency time was 2.4 to 3.3 hours. Breathing and heart rates, systemic arterial pressure, rectal temperature, PaO2, pH, and end-tidal gases were monitored. After administration of etorphine, measurements were made while the air-breathing elephant was recumbent, then every 5 minutes (cardiovascular) or 15 minutes (blood gases) after commencement of administration of isoflurane and oxygen. Tachycardia and hypertension were detected after administration of etorphine, but heart rate and systemic arterial pressure decreased to within normal ranges after administration of isoflurane and oxygen. The elephant remained well oxygenated while anesthetized and breathing a high oxygen mixture. The elephant had an uneventful recovery from each anesthesia.

Excitement in an elephant after intravenous administration of atropine

A 28-year-old Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) was anesthetized for cesarean section to remove a dead calf. The elephant was sedated with azaperone, and atropine was administered IV 90 minutes later in preparation for induction of anesthesia with etorphine HCl. Within 1 minute of injection of atropine, the elephant began swaying, kicking, and moving in an agitated manner around the stall. There is considerable variation among species in the toxicity of atropine, although development of toxicosis usually is associated with overdosage.

Effect of anaesthetizing the region of the paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei on energy metabolism during exercise in the rat

The ventromedial and posterior hypothalamic nuclei are known to influence glucoregulation during exercise. The extensive projections of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) to the sympathetic nervous system suggest that the PVN also may be involved in glucoregulation during exercise. The region of the PVN was anaesthetized with bupivacaine before running (26 m min-1) or continued rest, via previously implanted bilateral brain cannulas aimed at the dorsal aspect of the PVN. Control rats were treated identically to PVN-anaesthetized rats, but were not infused. Blood, for determination of plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones, was drawn from a tail artery, and 3H-glucose was infused in a tail vein for glucose turnover determinations. At rest, no significant changes in plasma concentrations of metabolites or hormones were induced by anaesthesia of the region of the PVN. During exercise, glucose production and utilization and plasma concentrations of glucose, lactate, glycerol, noradrenaline, adrenaline, corticosterone, and glucagon increased (P < 0.02) and plasma insulin decreased (P < 0.02) in all rats. However, initially in exercise, adrenaline (4.3 +/- 0.8 vs. 7.9 +/- 1.0 nmol l-1 in controls, P < 0.05, t = 6 min) and later corticosterone levels (1.37 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.69 +/- 0.10 nmol l-1 in controls, P < 0.05, t = 20 min) were attenuated by PVN anaesthesia. Initially during exercise, glucose utilization was higher and plasma glucose lower in PVN-anaesthetized rats compared to controls (16.6 +/- 0.8 vs. 12.7 +/- 0.6 mumol min-1 100 g-1 and 7.1 +/- 0.2 vs. 8.1 +/- 0.2 mmol l-1, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immobilization of gray wolves (Canis lupus) with sufentanil citrate

Gray wolves (Canis lupus) were immobilized with 0.5 mg/kg xylazine plus 7.5 micrograms/kg of either sufentanil (n = 8), etorphine (n = 8), or carfentanil (n = 2). Drug doses used in this study were selected to provide consistency for comparison and are not recommended doses for effective immobilization of wolves. Induction times were similar among groups (11.9 +/- 1.0 min). Thirty min after induction, wolves were given either 0.5 mg/kg naloxone hydrochloride plus 0.15 mg/kg yohimbine hydrochloride or saline only intravenously. Arousal times for wolves given naloxone and yohimbine (1.2 +/- 0.1 min) were shorter than wolves given saline (35.5 +/- 6.4 min). Respiratory rates were similar among the three drug groups (6.9 +/- 1.0 breaths/min). One animal given sufentanil then saline was found dead 108 min after induction. Presumptive diagnosis was renarcotization and hypothermia. Results indicated that sufentanil is an effective opioid immobilizing agent for gray wolves.

Transfer of proteins to membranes facilitates both cyanogen bromide cleavage and two-dimensional proteolytic mapping

We have found that the transfer of gel-fractionated proteins to membranes facilitates phosphopeptide mapping. Nitrocellulose proves to be an excellent matrix for both cyanogen bromide cleavage and proteolytic digestion. Digestion of p56lck bound to a nitrocellulose membrane with cyanogen bromide or trypsin generated patterns of phosphopeptides indistinguishable from those produced by digestion of p56lck eluted from a gel. Immobilon-P and nylon membranes can also be used for proteolytic mapping, but not for cyanogen bromide cleavage. Since the use of membrane-bound protein eliminates the need for elution and precipitation of the protein, analysis is rapid. In addition, the recovery of the peptides from proteins digested on membranes is better and more consistent than it is from eluted and precipitated proteins.

Measurement of dynorphins with 3H-etorphine and canine limbic system receptors

A canine limbic system preparation was used as the source of opioid peptide receptors to screen biologic extracts for the presence of opioid receptoractive peptides following their gradient RP-HPLC separation. Eight synthetic dynorphin peptides were studied for their ability to displace the commonly-used ligand 3H-etorphine from the canine limbic system P2 preparation. The peptides studied included the dynorphins 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10, 1-12, 1-13, 1-17, and dynorphin B. Two different types of opioid peptide molecules were utilized for the determination of the level of non-specific binding. In one study, methionine enkephalin, and in the second study each one of the eight corresponding dynorphins, was used for determination of non-specific binding. The experimental data indicated that 3H-etorphine bound to the canine limbic system P2 receptors, and that those dynorphins displaced effectively the 3H-etorphine from those receptors.

The sedation and anaesthesia of birds and reptiles

Demand for veterinary care of birds and reptiles is increasing and with it a knowledge of the current methods of restraint and sedation of these classes. Some of the safer and more practical methods are reviewed and commented on in the light of recent results from the Zoological Society of London's veterinary department.

The immobilization of wapiti with etorphine hydrochloride

Data and observations on the use of Etorphine hydrochloride (M99) (in combination with Acepromazine) and its antagonist M50-50 for immobilization of captive elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) are presented. The study period covers 3 years during which 8 adult elk were immobilized 52 times with M99. The average dose of M99 administered for each immobilization was 2.2 mg per 100 kg body weight. Reversal with M50-50 was effected by an average dose of 4.4 mg per 100 body weight. Induction averaged 5.9 minutes while reversal took an average of 4.6 minutes.

Autoradiographic localization of opiate receptors in rat brain. I. Spinal cord and lower medulla

The localization of opiate receptors in the spinal cord and lower medulla has been elucidated by the autoradiographic identification of stereospecific [3H]diprenorphine (a potent opiate antagonist) binding sites. The opiate receptors were higly localized to: layers I (marginal cell zones) and II (substantia gelatinosa) of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord; the substantia gelationsa of the spinal trigeminal nucleus; components of the vagal system, including the vagus nerve, nucleus tractus solitarius, nucleus commissuralis, nucleus intercalatus, nucleus ambiguus and nucleus originis dorsalis vagus; the area postrema. Examination of [3H]etorphine (a potent opiate agonist) binding sites showed the same distribution. We conclude that, in these brain regions, opiate receptors are (1) highly associated with areas receiving small, afferent primary fibers, (2) strategically placed to modulate noxious stimuli as well as explain some visceral side effects of opiate administration.

Observations on immobilization of Père David's deer

Etorphine and xylazine were found to be a safe and reliable drug combination for the immobilization of Père David's deer, whether excited or unexcited. Excited deer had a longer preimmobilization period, when compared with unexcited deer at comparable dosages. Generally, the acid-base status of Père David's deer during immobilization was not seriously altered. Deer that had been excited and exercised experienced mild respiratory problems; the unexcited, relatively calm deer experienced minimal acidosis. Significantly high pH and PO2 and significantly lower PCO2 and bicarbonate values were found in the excited deer, when compared with the unexcited deer. Rapid physiologic changes occurred after the intravenous administration of the antagonist, diprenorphine.

The use of Dopram as a respiratory stimulant following Immobilon in the pony

The effects of the analeptic agent, Dopram (doxapram hydrochloride) were investigated in 2 ponies during Immobilon - induced neuroleptanalgesia. Although Dopram was demonstrated to exert a degree of respiratory stimulation, this was concluded to provide no overall advantage. The etorphine-induced hypoxic hypoxia was only partially reversed, and there was additional cardiovascular stimulation, in contrast to the previously reported tendency for arterial blood pressure to return towards conscious control values during the course of action of Immobilon.

The capture and translocation of gemsbok Oryx gazella gazella in the Nambi Desert with the aid of fentanyl, etorphine and tranquillizers

Twenty-three gemsbok in the Namib Desert were captured with combinations of fentanyl or etorphine hydrochloride, hyoscine hydrobromide and tranquilizers such as azaperone, SU - 9064, triflupromazine hydrochloride and acetylpromazine maleate. Fentanyl, a New immobilizing compound, proved to be a safe and effective immobilizing drug for capturing gemsbok. The gemsbok were chased on the interdune plains and darted from a Land Rover with the Palmer powder-charge Cap-Chur gun. A six-seater helicopter was used on a trial basis to dart a gemsbok, but it is suggested that a smaller, more manoeuvrable helicopter be used for further operations. All the gemsbok were transported under narcosis from the capture area to an enclosure. Chlorpromazine hydrochloride was injected into the captured gemsbok to sedate them in their new confined environment. Tranquillizers such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride, acetylpromazine maleate and a new tranquillizer SU - 9064 were used to sedate the animals during long distance transportation in crates. This prevented the animals from injuring themselves and damagin the crates. For the first time in South West Africa wild animals were transported by air. A journey by road which under normal circumstances would have taken over 40 hours, was completed in less than 9 hours by utilizing aerial transportation. There were no losses during transportation and only two gemsbok were injured during the translocation operation.

Renal biopsy in the pig

In the pig, needle renal biopsy proved a safe and simple procedure which caused little discomfort to the animal. It proved a valuable method for following serial changes in renal histology and can therefore be applied to the study of both spontaneous and experimental renal diseases in pigs.

Management of deer for experimental studies with foor-and-mouth disease virus

Red, sika, fallow, roe and muntjac deer adapted to captivity in experimental units designed for working with foot-and-mouth disease. The red, sika and fallow deer readily accepted rolled oats and hay as their staple diet. This diet was replaced for the roe and muntjac deer with flaked maize, calf starter pellets and green browse. Etorphine/acepromazine ans xylazine were found to be suitable sedatives for detailed examination of the tongue and oral cavity of the various species of deer and gave adequate analgesia for the inoculation and collection of virus samples.