PROTOCOLOS ANESTÉSICOS EM TAMANDUÁS-BANDEIRA (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): ESTUDO RETROSPECTIVO (2006 – 2023)

Abstract

The giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) belong to the superorder Xenarthra, they have low metabolism and anatomical features distinct from other groups of mammals. The species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and ICMBio, being commonly found participating in ex situ conservation programs or received in wildlife rescue centers. The objective of this paper is to compile retrospective data and analyze the effectiveness of using ketamine associated with midazolam for the chemical restraint of giant anteaters. Fifty-five anesthetic files were selected from a heterogeneous group of giant anteaters, anesthetized between 2006 and 2023, at …, and whose anesthetic protocol consists in the association between ketamine and midazolam in different doses, intramuscularly (IM). The ketamine dose ranged from 4 -12 mg/kg, and of midazolam, from 0,27 - 1 mg/kg. During anesthetic maintenance, the mean physiological parameters were 78 ± 32 bpm of heart rate, 10 ± 7 bpm of respiratory rate, and 33,9 ± 1°C of rectal temperature. The working time was, on average, 56 minutes and only 11 animals showed prolonged recovery, above 2 hours and 30 minutes. The protocol analyzed produced rapid induction and adequate working time, even with the possibility of extending the anesthetic protocol with isoflurane. There were no episodes of apnea or severe depression of the parameters during the procedures.