Evaluation of Sedative and Physiological Effects of Intramuscular or Intranasal Ketamine-Midazolam and Ketamine-Dexmedetomidine in Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus sp.).

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the sedative and physiological effects of intramuscular (IM) or intranasal (IN) ketamine-midazolam and ketamine-dexmedetomidine in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Twenty-four capuchin monkeys were randomly assigned into four groups (6 per group) to be administered ketamine (15 mg/kg) combined with midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg) IM (KMIM and KDIM groups, respectively) or IN (KMIN and KDIN groups, respectively). Physiological variables, sedation scores, and anesthetic recovery times were evaluated.

RESULTS

All protocols resulted in tachypnea and heart rate values within the range indicated for the species. Blood pressure was significantly higher in KDIM compared with KMIM. All animals in KMIM and KDIM, and three animals in KMIN and KDIN, adopted lateral recumbency. Sedation, muscle relaxation, resistance to dorsal recumbency, and mandible tone scores were higher in KMIM and KDIM compared to KDIN. Posture scores were higher in KMIM and KDIM compared to KMIN. Time to standing was longer in KMIM and KDIM than in KDIN.

CONCLUSION

All protocols promoted tachypnea and few effects on HR and blood pressure. KMIM and KDIM result in deep sedation. KMIN and KDIN result in light sedation. Anesthetic recovery was faster with KDIN.