Qualitative assessment of immobilization with detomidine, ketamine and azaperone in fallow deer (Dama dama): a pilot study

Background The quality of induction, immobilization, and recovery during wild ungulates capture is crucial to reduce perianaesthetic morbidity and mortality, and operator risks. Literature regarding the clinical effects and quality of immobilization protocols in fallow deer (Dama dama) is sparse. This pilot study aims to evaluate the quality, timing, and clinical effects of a novel immobilization protocol in fallow deer. Methods Fourteen adult fallow deer (6 females, 8 males) weighing 57.28±13.47 Kg were darted in a deer park with a combination of detomidine 0.23±0.06 mg/kg, ketamine 2.28±0.64 mg/kg and azaperone 0.34±0.09 mg/kg for translocation and blood collection. Atipamezole 0.25±0.09 mg/kg was administered intramuscularly 47.8±6.0 minutes after first approach. During immobilization, the physiological parameters monitored included oxygen saturation, pulse rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, end tidal carbon dioxide, rectal temperature, reflexes, and muscle tone. Qualitative assessment of immobilization was performed for each animal by 5 operators (2 veterinary anaesthetists, 2 wildlife veterinarians and a veterinary student), who agreed on 3 scores, on induction quality, anaesthesia depth and recovery quality. Induction quality was assessed using a descriptive score ranging from 0 (poor) to 3 (excellent). Anaesthesia depth was scored from 0 (no sign of sedation/anaesthesia) to 7 (too deep anaesthesia). Quality of recovery was scored from 0 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Results After injection, sternal and lateral recumbency were achieved within 5.7±1.9 and 14±7.1 minutes, respectively. Physiological parameters were stable during immobilization. Induction quality was rated excellent (score 3) in all deer except for three where it was rated good (score 2). Anaesthesia depth was moderate (score 4) in 9 and deep (score 5) in 5 animals. Recovery quality was scored in 10 animals, and was 5 (excellent), 4 (good) and 3 (fair), in 2, 7, and 1 fallow deer, respectively. All animals were standing within 8.1±3.5 minutes after administration of atipamezole. No complications were observed in the perianaesthetic period. Conclusion The combination of detomidine, ketamine and azaperone provided effective and stable immobilization in fallow deer, with a good quality of induction, anaesthesia depth, and recovery.