Immobilization of captive Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica) using medetomidine–ketamine or medetomidine–midazolam

Abstract Objectives To establish and compare effectiveness of two medetomidine-based immobilization protocols in Persian fallow deer ( Dama dama mesopotamica ). Study design Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical study. Animals A group of 31 captive Persian fallow deer. Methods Deer scheduled for translocation were immobilized with a combination of medetomidine (76 ± 11 μg kg −1 ) and ketamine (1.0 ± 0.2 mg kg −1 ) (MK; n = 15) or medetomidine (77 ± 11 μg kg −1 ) and midazolam (0.10 ± 0.01 mg kg −1 ) (MM; n = 16) administered intramuscularly. An observer unaware of group assignments recorded times to immobilization and recovery, monitored physiologic variables and scored the quality of induction, immobilization and recovery (scale 1–5: 1, poor; 5, excellent). Atipamezole was administered for reversal. Data analysis was performed using t test, Mann–Whitney U test, Chi-square and the Fisher's exact test. Significance was set at Results Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (range). Time to induce immobilization was 9 ± 4 and 10 ± 4 minutes in the MK and MM groups, respectively. Immobilization quality score was 5 (1–5) following both combinations. Hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) was significantly lower in the MK (80 ± 8%) than in the MM group (87 ± 8%) although respiratory frequency did not differ between MK and MM (11 ± 5 and 10 ± 2 breaths minute -1 ). Recovery times were 13 ± 6 (MK) and 14 ± 7 minutes (MM) and did not differ between groups. No morbidities or mortalities were recorded during 1 month after immobilization. Conclusions and clinical relevance The MK and MM combinations produced sufficient immobilization in captive Persian fallow deer for short nonpainful procedures. Based on the SpO 2 values, the MM combination may be associated with less respiratory depression; nevertheless, both combinations may result in a decrease in SpO 2 .