Pharmacological restraint of captivity giant Amazonian turtle Podocnemis expansa (Testudines, Podocnemididae) with xylazine and propofol

Abstract

Purpose: Identify a technique to induce brief sedation and hypnosis in Podocnemis expansa. Methods: Twenty commercially bred P. expansa, weighing on average 1.2 ± 0.24 kg, were subjected to two protocols: G1 was given 1.5 mg/kg IM of xylazine and 5 mg/kg IV of propofol, while G2 received 1.5 mg/kg IM of xylazine and 10 mg/kg IV of propofol. The drugs were applied, respectively, in the left thoracic member and in the cervical vertebral sinus. Assessments were made of the anesthetic parameters of locomotion, muscle relaxation, response to pain stimuli in the right thoracic members, pelvic members and tail, easy handling and heartbeat, as well as ambient temperature and glycemic level. Results: A consistent hypnotic effect was recorded 49.6 ± 22.1 seconds in G2 and after 58.2 ± 55.1 in G1. All the animals of G2 recovered in 198 minutes, and those of G1 in 156 minutes. Conclusion: The hypnosis achieved with these associations was satisfactory, and G1 was as efficient as G2, allowing for the pharmacological restraint for the collection of biological samples, physical examinations and minor surgeries on these species.