Beschreibung:
<p>Telazol® and ketamine-xylazine have become the 2 most frequently used chemical immobilants for black bear (Ursus americanus). We compared effects of Telazol and ketamine-xylazine (KX) in 60 black bear immobilizations in relation to 5 response parameters during summers of 1992-1994 in southeastern Arkansas. Induction times did not differ (P = 0.99) between immobilants, and no induction-dosage relationship was observed with either Telazol (P = 0.52) or KX (P = 0.70). Heart rates did not differ (P = 0.28) between immobilants, and both induced mild tachycardia. With use of Telazol, respiration rate increased (r = 0.53, P = 0.06) with increasing body temperature. No correlation (r = -0.54, P = 0.34) between respiration rate and body temperature was detected with use of KX. Compared to Telazol, use of KX resulted in higher (P = 0.06) incidence of hyperthermia (i.e., body temperature >40°C), with more than twice as many KX-treated bears becoming hyperthermic as Telazol-treated bears. Increased pulmonary ventilation may have been a factor in minimizing heat stress in Telazol-immobilized bears. With use of KX, there were 4 episodes of sudden spontaneous recovery by immobilized bears. Recovery of Telazol-immobilized bears was gradual and predictable, although restraint time was 2.5 times longer than with KX due to lack of an effective antagonist to Telazol. Based on our observations, we recommend use of Telazol over ketamine-xylazine as a safe and effective immobilant for black bears.</p>