Detomidine – ketamine – azaperone combination for immobilization of fallow deer (Dama dama).

Chemical immobilisation is often required in deer to minimise capture stress and improve safety for both animals and operators. However, few studies evaluated clinical effects and quality of sedation protocols in fallow deer (Dama dama). In this preliminary study, quality, timing, and clinical effects of a novel immobilisation protocol were evaluated in 18 captive fallow deer (7 female, 11 male) weighing 31.2-75 kg. All animals were immobilised for translocation and blood collection with a single intramuscular injection of detomidine 0.24±0.08mg/kg (Sedaquick 10mg/ml, Fatro, Italy), ketamine 2.44±0.77mg/kg (Nimatek 100mg/ml, Dechra, Italy) and azaperone 0.37±0.12mg/kg (Stresnil 40mg/ml, Elanco, Italy). Fallow deer went in sternal recumbency and were approached within 5.4±1.9 and 21.4±5.4 minutes after injection, respectively. During anaesthesia, clinical parameters continuously monitored and recorded every 5 minutes were: level of muscle tone, palpebral and anal reflexes, heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, end tidal carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation and rectal temperature. Glucose and lactate blood levels were also measured. Physiological parameters and level of anaesthesia remained stable during immobilisation, resulting in deep sedation/moderate anaesthesia. All animals received atipamezole 0.25±0.08mg/kg (Atipam 5mg/ml, Dechra, Italy) intramuscularly 45 minutes after first approach and were standing within 8.1±3.5 minutes after administration. Induction and recovery quality was assessed by 5 operators as excellent (3, on a score 0-3) and good (4, on a score 0-5), respectively. The protocol used might provide effective and safe immobilisation to perform clinical procedures in fallow deer, allowing calm and smooth recovery.