Comparison of three anesthetic protocols in 146 olive baboons (Papio anubis) in a mass capture event for physical examination and surgical sterilization.

Dexmedetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam produced the fastest induction and lowest supplemental drug need in olive baboons.

This retrospective, observational study compared three intramuscular anesthetic protocols in 146 adult olive baboons (Papio anubis) during a mass capture event for physical examination and surgical sterilization at a safari facility. Animals received one of three protocols: dexmedetomidine (0.02 mg/kg) with tiletamine-zolazepam (3 mg/kg) (DTZ, n=64), xylazine (0.5 mg/kg) with tiletamine-zolazepam (3 mg/kg) (XTZ, n=73), or xylazine (0.5 mg/kg) with midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) (XMK, n=9). All animals were successfully immobilized and recovered without major adverse events. DTZ produced the fastest induction times (297 ± 108 seconds) compared to XTZ (356 ± 123 seconds) and XMK (449 ± 83 seconds). The need for supplemental anesthetics during induction was lowest in the DTZ group (9.4%) compared to XTZ (11.0%) and XMK (22.2%). One XTZ animal developed bradycardia and hypotension, successfully managed with anticholinergic agents. All animals breathed spontaneously throughout. The small XMK sample size (n=9) limits direct comparison, and the authors acknowledge that a randomized, blinded trial is needed to properly evaluate these protocols. Overall, DTZ demonstrated advantages in induction speed and reduced supplemental drug requirements, supporting its utility as an effective immobilization protocol in olive baboons.

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