Work

Combination of Dexmedetomidine and Low-Dose Ketamine in 4 Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) Undergoing Elective Castration

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ) belonging to the same colony were presented for elective orchiectomy. After clinical examination, dexmedetomidine (120 μg/kg) in combination with ketamine (5 mg/kg) were administered subcutaneously (SC). Once righting and pedal withdrawal reflexes were lost, ringer lactate solution, enrofloxacin and meloxicam were administered SC and a bilateral intratesticular block with lidocaine 0.25% was performed. Heart, respiratory rates and pulse oximetry values were recorded every minute. Onset of sedation, additional use of isoflurane, duration of anaesthesia, duration of surgery, time of recovery after atipamezole administration, quality of recovery and time of food intake were recorded. Postoperative assessment (posture, level of activity, vocalisation, response to manipulation, attention to the surgical wound) was performed hourly until discharge, five hours after surgery. Dexmedetomidine in combination with ketamine provided adequate short-lasting anaesthesia for castration in 3 out of 4 sugar gliders. One sugar glider needed additional isoflurane administration to perform orchiectomy. No perioperative additional analgesia was needed in any sugar glider.

Source: Veterinary Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12080699

Authors: Elisa Silvia D’Urso, Monia Martorelli, Giulia Bersanetti, Paolo Selleri, Chiara De Gennaro

Institution: University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Veterinary Pharmacology and Anesthesia

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534