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Articles

Vol. 22 No. 31 (2013)

Immobilization of Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) Using Thiafenthanil Oxalate (A-3080) in Combination with Xylazine and Ketamine

Submitted
11 July 2025
Published
2013-12-01

Abstract

A wide variety of drug combinations have been used to immobilize captive and free ranging tapirs. Most of these anesthetic procedures combine opioids with alpha 2 agonists, cyclohexamines or neuroleptic agents. Thiafentanil oxalate (A3080) is a synthetic opioid that has been used in several species of non-domestic hoofstock. It´s effects have not been previously described on Baird´s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii). This study reports the use of a combination of thiafentanil oxalate (1 mg/100 kg), xylazine (1 mg/kg) and ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) (TXK) in two adult tapirs, and a combination of thiafentanil (1 mg/100 kg) and xylazine (0.70 mg/ kg) (TX) in another adult tapir. The individuals receiving TXK were reversed with naltrexone (10 mg/mg thiafentanil) and yohimbine (0.125 mg/kg), while those receiving TX was reversed with naltrexone (10 mg/mg thiafentanil) and atipamezole (1 mg/10 mg xylazine). The induction time was 3-5 min, the recovery time was 4-5 min and the total time of anesthesia was 40-120 min. Physiological parameters are similar to those reported in studies that include opioids in the anesthetic protocol. The TX combination produced low oxygen saturation values that recquired suplemmentary oxygen. In conclusion, TXK and TX provided a fast and smooth induction and recovery time. Additionally TXK is an effective and safe option to immobilize wild and captive animals with poor body condition.

References

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