Effects of physiological state on duration of sedation in southern elephant seals |
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| Authors: | R Woods M Hindell D J Slip |
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| Affiliation: | Antarctic Division, Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia. |
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| Abstract: | One hundred eighty-one female and thirteen postweanling pup southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) were sedated using a combination of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride. Physiological state had a profound effect on response of the animals to sedation. Physiologically stressed postlactation and postpartum cows had significantly longer periods of sedation than pre-molting females or recently weaned pups. Induction time was not affected by physiological status. Dose rates are recommended for elephant seals in various physiological states. |
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