Sedative protocols for the restraint of coatis (Nasua nasua) for management and monitoring.

Abstract

Coatis (Nasua nasua) are medium-sized mammals of the family Procyonidae, native of South America, characterized by an elongated nose and a long tail with alternating light and dark rings. The Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio) plays a crucial role in preserving this and other species within the Iguaçu National Park, where animal capture for tracking, data collection, and medical interventions is performed. In this context, ensuring an effective sedation method is critical. This study aimed to compare the effects of two sedation protocols (dexmedetomidine-ketamine and tiletamine-zolazepam) in coatis, assessing their efficacy and safety. Fourteen free-ranging South American Coatis (Nasua nasua) were captured and randomly assigned for sedation with dexmedetomidine-ketamine (6.0 µg kg-1 and 15 mg kg-1, respectively; group DK) or with tiletamine-zolazepam (7.0 mg kg-1; group TZ) administered in the semimembranosus muscle of the pelvic limb. Physiological variables, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, noninvasive systolic arterial pressure, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, and rectal temperature, were recorded every five minutes since the application. The duration of sedation and quality of recovery was evaluated. Atipamezole was administered for reversal when considered necessary. Data analysis was performed using the t test. Significance was set at p<0.05. In this study, no cases of regurgitation or vomit were observed. The results indicated significant differences in the heart rates between the groups, with group DK exhibiting lower values than group TZ. The average duration of sedation varied between groups, with animals in the group DK exhibiting an average sedation duration of 15 minutes, while animals in group TZ averaged 30 minutes. Notably, only one animal in group DK did not necessitate a new medication dose, while two required reversal. The tiletamine-zolazepam protocol demonstrated superior sedative efficacy in coatis compared to the dexmedetomidine-ketamine protocol, exhibiting enhanced maintenance of physiological parameters, prolonged sedation duration and improved recovery outcomes.