Immobilization of Chacoan peccaries (Catagonus wagneri) using medetomidine, Telazol, and ketamine

A combination of medetomidine, Telazol, and ketamine hydrochloride was used to immobilize captive Chacoan peccaries (Catagonus wagneri) for translocation within Paraguay during August-October 2002. Animals were darted in enclosed areas of varying size. The average dose used was 32.5+/-7.2 microg/kg of medetomidine, 0.63+/-0.2 mg/kg of Telazol, and 3.9+/-0.65 mg/kg of ketamine. First effects were noted at 4.3+/-2.1 min, and ability to handle the animals was achieved by 12.6+/-3.7 min. Heart and respiratory rates declined and oxygen saturation increased during anesthesia. Muscle relaxation was good. Atipamezole was used to antagonize the medetomidine, although recoveries were still slow. This drug combination provided adequate immobilization of Chacoan peccaries; however, this protocol would not be considered to be reversible, and confinement during recovery is recommended.