Sedation With Intracloacal Administration of Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine in Yellow-bellied Sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta)

Abstract There is a paucity of published information regarding the mucosal absorption of anesthetic drugs in chelonians. The objective of this research investigation was to assess the usefulness of a dexmedetomidine and ketamine combination administered through the cloaca in a chelonian species, to provide evidence of mucosal absorption of the drugs, and suitability of this administration route. Fifteen healthy, adult, captive yellow-bellied sliders ( Trachemys scripta scripta ) were used as subject animals. A combination of dexmedetomidine (0.2mg/kg) and ketamine hydrochloride (10mg/kg) were combined within a single syringe and delivered into the cloaca of each turtle. The respiratory rate, heart rate, and depth of sedation were assessed for each animal before the administration of anesthetics ( T 0 ), and after 5 ( T 5 ), 15 ( T 15 ), 30 ( T 30 ), 45 ( T 45 ), and 60 ( T 60 ) minutes. Owing to the unpredictability of the results, the authors only recommend intracloacal administration of combined dexmedetomidine and ketamine for sedation or short clinical procedures.