Field Immobilization of Molina´s Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus chinga) using Ketamine and Xylazine

CASTILLO, DIEGO; LUENGOS VIDAL, ESTELA; CASANAVE, EMMA; LUCHERINI, MAURO

JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES

WILDLIFE DISEASE ASSOC, INC

Año: 2012 vol. 48 p. 173 - 175

0090-3558

Twenty seven adult Molina´s hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus chinga) were injected intramuscularly by hand with Ketamine hcl (KH) and Xylazine hcl (XH)in the Pampas grassland of Argentina. Skunks were immobilized with a mean (±SD) dosage of 24.9 ± 6.5 mg/kg KH and 1.9 ± 0.6 mg/kg XH.The mean effective dosages of KH (27.6 mg/kg) and XH (1.7 mg/kg) were higher and lower, respectively, than those reported in skunks previously. Mean induction and recovery time were 5.3 ± 1.9 min and 47.7 ± 18.5 min, respectively. Hypothermia was the only problem detected in field immobilization and occurred in winter but did not appear to be associated with to drug doses. We conclude that KH/XH is a safe immobilizing drug combination for Molina´s hog-nosed skunk.