A preliminary investigation into the immobilising potential of a tiletamine/zolazepam mixture, metomidate, a metomidate and azaperone combination and medetomidine in ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Abstract

Ostrich chicks (n=34) were successfully immobilised with intramuscular injections of a tiletamine/zolazepam mixture at dosages of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg kg-¹; with metomidate at dosages of 15 and 20 mg kg-¹ and with a metomidate/azaperone combination at respectively 20 and 6,6 mg kg-¹, and 10 and 3,3 mg kg-¹. Unsatisfactory immobilisation with violent body movements and self traumatisation were observed in an adult ostrich after the intramuscular administration of a tiletamine/zolezepam mixture. Anaesthesia was achieved by the administration of metomidate in combination with azaperone. Medetomidine administered at a dosage rate of 0,1 mg kg-¹ did not result in immobilisation of ostrich chicks (n=4). Findings in ostrich chicks should not necessarily be extrapolated to adult birds.