Evaluation of immobilisation using a fixed-dose combination of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine, along with a low dose of ketamine, in chacma baboons ( Papio ursinus )

BACKGROUND: Current literature most commonly describes the use of the dissociative drug ketamine for the immobilisation of baboons, either on its own or in combination with other drugs such as α-2 agonists or benzodiazepines. Currently, no reversal is available for ketamine, leading to prolonged and often rough recoveries of the animals, especially if high doses of ketamine are used. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the fixed-dose combination of butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (BAM) with a low dose of ketamine (K-BAM) was evaluated for immobilisation and recovery parameters of chacma baboons. METHODS: ), noninvasive blood pressure (BP) and blood gases were evaluated. RESULTS: (63 ± 9 mmHg) values. Other measured parameters stayed within normal ranges. Recoveries were fully reached at 4.8 ± 2.8 minutes after intramuscular injection of the reversal naltrexone and atipamezole. CONCLUSION: BAM with a low dose of ketamine produced short-term immobilisation, allowing for minor veterinary procedures. The severe hypoxaemia observed in all animals, however, raises serious concerns regarding the safety of this protocol.