Immobilization of wild ocelots with tiletamine and zolazepam in southern Texas

Abstract

Telazol® was used to immobilize nine wild ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) captured in box-traps in southern Texas (USA) between May 1997 and April 1998. Mean (±SD) intramuscular dosage rate of 5.05 (±0.76) mg/ kg produced an induction time of 3.7 ± 1.8 min. Duration of cataleptic anesthesia was 67.4 ± 19.8 min and ocelots stood 50.0 ± 30.7 min after emergence from cataleptic anesthesia. Ocelots recovered to their preinjection condition 129.7 ± 28.8 min after first standing and 250.8 ± 55.1 min after initial injection. We observed no adverse reactions to Telazol® aside from minor loss of thermoregulatory control. Telazol® administered at 5 mg/kg was an effective and safe immobilizing agent for wild ocelots.