Sedation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) with medetomidine and the influence on some haematological and serum biochemical variables

Abstract

Medetomidine, an α-2 agonist, was tested for the sedation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) (n = 6) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n = 7). The effectivity of this drug and the dose required for handling, blood sampling, and minor surgery were established for both species. In addition the effect of medetomidine sedation on haematological and serum biochemical variables was studied. All animals used were clinically normal females aged approximately 1.5 years. The minimal dose required to sedate a wild boar was 80 μg/kg (i.m.). The induction time was 35-50 min, and the sedation time was between 40 and 55 min; however, the sedation was insufficient. The minimal dose required for red deer was 80 μg/kg (i.m.). Blood sampling and minor surgery could be carried out without any problem. The induction time was 21-29 min and the sedation time was between 120 and 210 min. The α-2 antagonist atipamezole (300 μg/kg) was effective in reversing sedation, with recovery occurring between 3 and 9 min. Medetomidine sedation influenced the blood composition of wild boar. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume decreased by about 20% (P < 0.002), total serum protein content decreased slightly (P = 0.011), and the glucose concentration nearly doubled (P = 0.002).