page 2 of 10

Intramuscular anesthetics are by far the most important of the restraint drugs used for immobilizing wild mammals. The most common ones are M99 (etorphine), xylazine, ketamine and acepromazine. IM administration of these drugs is accomplished by hand syringe, pole syringe or dart gun. The hand syringe is easiest for docile animals, but is not practical for most wild animals. The pole syringe is a hand syringe attached to the end of a long pole. Pole syringes are effective up to 5 to 6 feet and work well if you can get close to the animal. The dart gun is probably the most practical and most commonly used method of administering IM injections into wild animals. The part or projectile syringe has made it possible to deliver a predetermined amount of chemical into a selected wild animal. When using chemical restraint, one must avoid other potential problems. Never attempt immobilization in a yard that is surrounded by a deep moat or pool into which the animal may fall. Ideally the animal should be moved to a small enclosure. Bedding can be increased to prevent injury during the onset of the drug. In most cases, it is better to isolate the animal to be anesthetized. When immobilizing any animal, try to keep the area as quiet as possible.

NEXT