Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A最新文献

{"title":"Benefits of a tuberculin skin testing refresher training programme for veterinary field technicians in the Bushbuckridge Municipality, South Africa.","authors":"B O Rikhotso, O Pretorius, P N Thompson, A L Michel","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.727","DOIUrl":"10.36303/JSAVA.727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an economically important global zoonotic disease affecting all mammalian species, caused by <i>Mycobacterium bovis</i>. The diagnostic test prescribed by the South African National Bovine Tuberculosis Control Scheme and required for international trade in live cattle is the intradermal tuberculin test. Theoretical and practical learning of tuberculin skin testing should be done simultaneously during student training. The study aimed to assess the training programme of Veterinary Field Technicians (VFTs) on tuberculin skin testing in cattle and its impact on their performance. Twenty-five VFTs, between the ages of 22 and 61, were enrolled for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing refresher training, which covered both theoretical and practical aspects of the tuberculin skin test. Twenty-three VFTs participated in both the pre-training and the post-training written assessment, while two VFTs each missed one of the assessments. The mean (± SD) pre-training score was 39% (±14%), and only 4/23 VFTs (17%) achieved the pass score of 50%. The mean post-training score was 55% (± 15%), and 16 (70%) passed the posttraining test. The mean difference (post-training - pre-training) was 16% (95% CI: 12, 19%; <i>p</i> < 0.001), with a large effect size (Hedges' g_av = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.25). VFTs in the age group 51-61 years performed poorly in the assessments compared to those aged between 22 and 50 years old. Adjusting for pre-training score, there was an inverse association between age and post-training score (b = -0.46; 95% CI: -0.75, -0.17; <i>p</i> = 0.004). It was concluded from this study that VFTs employed by the State were not allocated sufficient time for theoretical and practical re-training on tuberculin skin testing of cattle in Bushbuckridge local municipality, Mpumalanga province. The refresher training course was a useful intervention to effectively improve the theoretical and practical TB testing skills of VFTs.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":"97 1","pages":"6-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the relationship between South African veterinarians and veterinary physiotherapists.","authors":"A Louw, N Naidoo, H Talberg","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.729","DOIUrl":"10.36303/JSAVA.729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Veterinary physiotherapy is a newly promulgated independent profession in South Africa. Veterinary physiotherapists work under referral or in collaboration with a veterinarian. Veterinarians therefore significantly influence appropriate client referrals. The study examined the relationship dynamics between veterinarians and veterinary physiotherapists in South Africa, with a focus on identifying the barriers and facilitators influencing referral practices by veterinarians. This descriptive cross-sectional study used a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach. Three phases of data collection were completed utilising both semi-structured interviews, phases 1 and 3, and two self-developed descriptive questionnaires administered to both veterinarians and veterinary physiotherapists in phase 2. Interviews transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic approach to identify common themes. Questionnaire data was analysed using a descriptive statistical analysis and correlation tests to determine the relationship between variables. Statistical significance was calculated and determined using <i>p</i> < 0.05. Sixty-five percent (65%, <i>n</i> = 63) of veterinarians regularly referred patients to veterinary physiotherapy. Significant correlations were found between the type of veterinary practice and the likelihood to refer. Forty-nine percent (49%, <i>n</i> = 29) of veterinary physiotherapists received regular referrals from veterinarians. Regular referrals from veterinarians and a higher veterinary physiotherapy caseload were significantly correlated. The interviews revealed themes around how communication, location, and understanding the physiotherapy profession impacted the veterinarians' likelihood to refer. While there appears to be a positive perception of the veterinary physiotherapy profession by veterinarians, there remains potential for growth regarding veterinary referrals to veterinary physiotherapy. This can be supported by better communication between the professions and ongoing education.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":"97 1","pages":"18-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immobilisation and clinical effects of four drug combinations used to chemically capture white rhinoceros <i>(Ceratotherium simum)</i>.","authors":"M M Ndunda, P E Buss, R D Gleed, A C Donaldson, M Leiberich, E H Hooijberg, E P Snelling, J M Boesch, L C R Meyer","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.722","DOIUrl":"10.36303/JSAVA.722","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Etorphine is an ultra-potent opioid used to immobilise white rhinoceros <i>(Ceratotherium simum)</i> in the field, but it can also cause extensive metabolic and cardiorespiratory derangements. To potentially reduce the severity of these derangements, etorphine is combined with synergistic drugs including medetomidine (an alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist), midazolam (a benzodiazepine agonist), or azaperone (a butyrophenone drug). The potentiation effects of these synergistic drugs are believed to reduce induction times and excitement, induce muscle relaxation, and improve immobilisation quality and safety. To test the benefits of these synergistic drugs, eight healthy, wild-caught boma-housed white rhinoceros (sub-adult males) were used in a repeated-measures randomised cross-over study. Each rhinoceros was immobilised with four treatments: etorphine only (control), etorphine + azaperone (azaperone), etorphine + medetomidine (medetomidine), and etorphine + midazolam (midazolam). Butorphanol was administered intravenously after 12 min of immobilisation in all treatments. First signs of drug effects, immobilisation induction times, immobilisation quality, tremor scores, rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates, and peripheral arterial oxygen-haemoglobin saturation, were compared between and within treatments. All four treatments effectively immobilised rhinoceros, however the addition of azaperone, medetomidine and midazolam were associated with significantly shorter induction times compared to the etorphine-only. All treatments initially caused severe muscle tremors, hypopnea, hypoxaemia, and tachycardia (except for medetomidine). The administration of butorphanol partly corrected most of these derangements. Our study shows that the synergistic drugs effectively speed up induction into immobilisation. However, they provide little other physiological or clinical benefit over etorphine-only. Butorphanol remains an important ancillary treatment when administering these drug combinations in rhinoceros.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":"97 1","pages":"27-35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of acupuncture on stride, speed, and heart rate variability in Thoroughbred racehorses.","authors":"R Hartwigsen, C C Grant, T Botha, E van Vollenhoven","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.724","DOIUrl":"10.36303/JSAVA.724","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thoroughbred racehorses are at increased risk of injury during race preparations and trials, primarily due to intensive workloads that predispose them to musculoskeletal injuries. Evaluating clinical interventions to improve health and prevent injury is essential for addressing animal welfare concerns. This study investigated the medium-term effects of acupuncture on stride, speed and cardiac autonomic regulation (assessed via heart rate variability [HRV]), in Thoroughbred flat racehorses. This prospective, randomised, parallel-group study included an intervention and a control group. Thirty Thoroughbred racehorses in full training (racing age 3 years; range 3.0-3.9), from a single professional training yard, and at the same stage of their racing careers, were maintained under similar nutritional, training, and environmental conditions. The intervention group received three acupuncture treatments, over a three-week period. HRV and 800-m gallop stride parameters (SP) were measured pre- and post-acupuncture period in both groups. Pre-post changes or delta (Δ) in each indicator were calculated for both groups and compared using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests. Treatment was associated with non-significant reductions in parasympathetic HRV indicators namely root mean square of successive differences in beat-to-beat RR-interval (ΔRMSSD: treatment vs control: - 2.19 vs. 1.47 ms), high frequency components (ΔHF: - 37.19 vs. 19.42 ms²), and standard deviation of short-term variability (ΔSD1: - 1.56 vs. 1.04 ms), suggesting lower vagal tone. Maximum stride count (Max SC) increased significantly in the control group (<i>p</i> = 0.004). Overall, the treatment group showed decreased stride count and vagal activity indicating that a short recovery period may be required after acupuncture.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":"97 1","pages":"36-44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Operation Sahel: translocation and reintroduction of West African giraffe (<i>Giraffa camelopardalis peralta</i>) in Niger.","authors":"R J Harvey, S Ferguson, J Fennessy","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.676","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36303/JSAVA.676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The West African giraffe (<i>Giraffa camelopardalis peralta</i>), a subspecies of the northern giraffe (<i>G. camelopardalis</i>), naturally only inhabited one unprotected area in Niger. West African giraffe are a conservation success story as their population has grown from ~ 49 individuals to > 600 as a direct result of efforts by the Niger government and NGOs. Along with improved legislation, enhanced monitoring, and community engagement, establishing a satellite population within their historic range has been a major success. Giraffe translocations are technically and logistically difficult, and may require immobilisations, which add additional challenges. Such translocations are commonly undertaken in southern and East Africa with specialised equipment and experienced teams. However, with good planning and preparation, giraffe can be translocated with a small, effective team and locally constructed equipment. This case report describes the translocation of 12 West African giraffe (eight female and four male) to the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve, Niger, using locally constructed equipment. All giraffe were immobilised in the field and taken to a temporary holding boma for acclimatisation. The translocations took place in 2018 and 2022, interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The giraffe spent between 24 hours and six weeks in the holding boma, and the former group received a low-dose of water-based perphenazine for tranquillisation and possible anxiolytic effects. Transport was by road using a modified 20-foot open-topped shipping container with strategic stops for feeding and rest. Giraffe were hard released into the reserve. No mortalities occurred during the operation and post-translocation; five calf births were recorded by the end of 2023.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Promoting rhinoceros welfare during transit: veterinarians' perspectives on transportation practices.","authors":"E S Macha, L C R Meyer, M Leiberich, M Hofmeyr, E H Hooijberg","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.670","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36303/JSAVA.670","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite translocation being a useful conservation strategy in rhinoceros management, morbidities and mortalities occurring during transportation pose a significant concern to rhinoceros managers, veterinarians, and scientists. The objectives of this study were to better understand the effects of transport on rhinoceros and to gain insights from veterinarians involved in rhinoceros translocations about current practices and potential interventions that could improve welfare. A weblink and QR code to an online questionnaire with a total of 46 questions in Google Forms was sent to veterinarians who had experience in African rhinoceros transportation, through personal emails and social network forums. Results demonstrated that despite dehydration and negative energy balance being reported as the major causes of morbidities and mortalities during transport and post-release, most veterinarians (30/35; 86%) involved in rhinoceros translocation did not offer water, parenteral fluids, or feed to transported animals, for logistical reasons and the knowledge or perception of rhinoceros' resistance to taking <i>ad lib</i> food and water during transport. However, 52% (15/29) and 41% (15/34) of participants suggested that parenteral fluids could be used as an intervention to mitigate dehydration and negative energy balance respectively. To reduce stress, 94% (33/35) of respondents suggested the use of tranquilisers and sedatives. This study is the first to systematically investigate and report on practices by veterinarians involved in rhinoceros translocations globally. The study highlights that further research is required to explore optimal and pragmatic techniques in the field to mitigate reported welfare challenges in rhinoceros during transport.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thermal properties of rhinoceros ovum pick-up probes: possible effects of temperature shock on oocyte maturation potential.","authors":"L Vorster, P R de Bruin, M P Smuts, M de la Rey, C Herbst, B S Durrant, D E Holm","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.638","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36303/JSAVA.638","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The implementation of assisted reproductive techniques and use of in vitro embryo production has highlighted their potential in attempts to prevent the extinction of the northern white rhinoceros (<i>Ceratotherium simum cottoni</i>). However, in vitro embryo production has proved challenging. Transrectal ovum pick-up (OPU), while done successfully with custom-made aspiration probes (AP), may expose oocytes to detrimental temperature shock.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study compares the temperature regulation properties between two AP, made from different materials and used during OPU in southern white rhinoceros (<i>C. s. simum</i>).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The initial PVC plastic AP, produced using a computer numerical control machine, was compared to a modified aluminium AP. A rhinoceros model was constructed using a 210 L water container fitted with heating elements and a water pump. Water was warmed to 37.5-38.5 ℃ to simulate rhinoceros body temperature. The AP was equilibrated to room temperature (22 ℃; simulating summer) or in a walk-in fridge (4 ℃; simulating winter) overnight. Temperature loggers were placed inside and on the outside of the AP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The aluminium AP equilibrated to the model water temperature within 15 minutes of submersion in the model, while the temperature of the PVC AP remained significantly lower during the three-hour period. The inside of the PVC AP remained significantly colder compared to outside during both winter and summer (33.23 ± 4.28 ℃ vs. 36.51 ± 2.13 ℃ and 36.04 ± 1.69 ℃ vs. 37.22 ± 0.92 ℃, respectively). There was no significant difference between the inside temperature of the aluminium AP compared to the outside temperature during both the winter and summer simulations (36.75 ± 0.49 ℃ vs. 37.83 ± 0.40 ℃ and 37.86 ± 0.16 ℃ vs. 38.04 ± 0.11 ℃, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This research highlights the importance of using material with good thermal properties during assisted reproductive procedures. It also contributes to further advancement during the establishment of a successful in vitro embryo production protocol for rhinoceros in South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An epidemiological study of canine lymphoma in South Africa.","authors":"S B Harris, E H Hooijberg, S J Clift, G T Fosgate, Y Rautenbach","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.627","DOIUrl":"10.36303/JSAVA.627","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breed, age, and sex predispositions for canine lymphoma have been reported for various geographical locations. However, epidemiological information concerning canine lymphoma in South Africa is scarce. The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiological features of canine lymphoma and the frequency of World Health Organization (WHO) classification subtypes in South Africa. A retrospective, case-control study was performed that included 342 cases with a histopathological diagnosis of canine lymphoma matched with 342 canine non-lymphoma control cases. Associations between canine lymphoma and breed, age, sex, and neutering status were assessed using univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression. Associations were reported as odds ratios and significance set as <i>p</i>≤ 0.05. Breed was significantly associated with canine lymphoma, but not age, sex, or neutering status. Median population age was eight years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. The Boerboel had an increased risk (OR = 1.63, CI = 1.02-2.62, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and the Yorkshire Terrier a decreased risk (OR = 0.59, CI = 0.38-0.93, <i>p</i> = 0.050) of having canine lymphoma. Immunophenotyping was performed on 119 (35%) cases, of which 82 (69%) were B-cell, 34 (29%) T-cell and three (2%) neither. WHO subtype was available for 88 cases; of these 66 (75%) were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with remaining subtypes each ≤ 7%. This study identified a breed predisposition for canine lymphoma in the Boerboel, a South African mastiff-type dog, but significant associations were not detected for age, sex, and other breeds. The frequency of immunophenotypes and WHO subtypes was similar to previous studies in other locations.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":"95 2","pages":"50-62"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Suspected bacterial ventriculitis in a nine-month-old Goldendoodle.","authors":"L C Loubser, W J Botha, C le Roux","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.650","DOIUrl":"10.36303/JSAVA.650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bacterial ventriculitis is an uncommon, often fatal complication of intracranial bacterial infection. This case report describes a nine-month-old spayed female Goldendoodle that presented with a history of acute onset generalised seizures. The initial clinical examination, neurological examination and minimum database laboratory tests were unremarkable, and the dog was diagnosed with probable idiopathic epilepsy. Three weeks thereafter, the patient developed breakthrough clustering orofacial and generalised seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with bacterial ventriculitis. Broad-spectrum antibiotic and supportive therapy was initiated pending cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, serology and bacterial culture; however, the patient died eight hours after initiating treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of suspected bacterial ventriculitis in a dog in South Africa and describes its atypical clinical presentation, progression and unique MRI findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":"95 2","pages":"83-87"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immobilisation protocols for wild giraffe <i>(Giraffa spp.)</i>- a review.","authors":"S Ferguson, R J Harvey, S Fennessy, J Fennessy","doi":"10.36303/JSAVA.634","DOIUrl":"10.36303/JSAVA.634","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Immobilisation of wild giraffe <i>(Giraffa spp.)</i> is challenging due to their unique anatomy and physiology. Field immobilisations are required for numerous conservation, tourism, and veterinary purposes. Wild giraffe immobilisation techniques have evolved considerably from physical to chemical with ultrapotent drugs.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To provide a detailed overview of historic and present protocols used for immobilising giraffe in the wild as a valuable resource tool for future research into best practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was undertaken of the published literature on wild giraffe capture and immobilisation techniques with no restrictions on publication date.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review detailed the evolution of capture techniques used for wild giraffe. The trend has moved from purely physical capture in the 1950s to the use of high dose ultrapotent opioids or a combination of opioids and alpha-2 agonists and/or tranquilisers. With a better understanding of giraffe physiology and wild giraffe capture, mortality rates have decreased significantly from ~ 35% to < 1%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The advent of ultrapotent opioids has caused a paradigm shift in wildlife immobilisation, especially for wild giraffe. While the use of these drugs, as sole immobilisation agents or in combination with alpha-2 agonists or tranquilisers, has greatly reduced mortality rates associated with wild giraffe immobilisations, there is a startling lack of physiological data evaluating the impact of these drugs on giraffe during and after immobilisation. Future research should focus on measuring physiological variables to determine the impact and best practice of these protocols on wild giraffe immobilisation.</p>","PeriodicalId":51105,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A","volume":" ","pages":"77-82"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142156584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}