Anesthesia, sedation and chemical restraint in wild and domestic animals.

The use and study of wild and domestic animals frequently involves physical handling and in some instances the performance of surgical or other painful procedures. With few exceptions the needs in domestic animals are basically for relief of pain and relaxation to allow comfort to the patient and convenience to the surgeon. Agents can be selected without much concern for excessive restraint of the animal before medication in most cases. The preparation of the wild animal foi some form of chemical restraint, sedation or anesthesia most often must be made without the benefit of a physical examination to determine the physiological condition or specific needs. In many cases the animal must receive the initial medication via propelled dart or other systems used from a point distant from the animal.