Jacs Mostert, [20 Jul 2024 at 08:32:05]: Morning All, I recently darted some lions from the helicopter using the butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM) combination. This has been my preferred combination in lions for short procedures, as the recovery is very quick (< 2 min.) when reversed IV, and they seem more awake. I have found that induction is usually not more than about 6 to 8 min on the ground. From the helicopter, however, the down times seem to be anything from 12 to 18 min. I put this down to the excitement induced by the helicopter, and is normal, I think? It was my first time darting lions from the air. My question is this: Do any of you guys who work with lions think butorphanol-medetomidine-midazolam (BMM) or butorphanol-medetomidine-Zoletil (BMZ) would produce quicker down times from the helicopter? I think BMZ may? I have used both on the ground for short procedures and have not seen much of a reason for a preference over BAM in terms of induction. I have at least one other lion to do elsewhere in the next few days, but also from the helicopter, so I would like to reduce the induction time. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks! David Pretorius, [20 Jul 2024 at 08:36:01]: I am interested in what the effect would be of adding Hyalase to the mix? Jacs Mostert, [20 Jul 2024 at 08:41:59]: Thanks, good suggestion. Will let you know how it goes. David Pretorius, [20 Jul 2024 at 08:42:35]: I think aim for 1000 iu per dart. Andy Fraser, [20 Jul 2024 at 08:43:50]: Add 100 mg ketamine Joel Alves, [20 Jul 2024 at 09:30:33]: As Andy said, add ketamine. Up to 1 mg/kg ketamine is the answer. Henry Labuschagne, [20 Jul 2024 at 09:34:27]: If you add ketamine at 1 mg per kg and Hyalase 2500 iu to BAM, the downtime will improve by 50 %. Leith Meyer, [20 Jul 2024 at 10:11:01]: I agree with adding ketamine or Zoletil to BAM or BMM. It is important to note from a pharmacological perspective that butorphanol is the only drug in these combinations that has immobilizing effects, but these effects are not that potent, and the synergistic effects of the sedative and tranquilizer drugs won’t help too much under stressful conditions like helicopter capture. Therefore, additional drugs with good immobilizing effects like ketamine or tiletamine are required for stressful captures. Jacs Mostert, [20 Jul 2024 at 10:27:29]: Great info and suggestions. Thank you, all!
