Mtalika M.I, [20 Mar 2023 at 23:24:09]: Hi everyone! Can someone use etorphine only to capture a zebra for loading into the crate? If yes, what is the recommended dose for easier capture and smooth recovery!? For both adults and subadults. Luis Amaral, [21 Mar 2023 at 17:20:17]: Dr Mtalika doses that work well in zebra : Adults - 1.5 to 2 mg etorphine plus 4 to 5 medetomidine and 25 to 30 azaperone. Sub adults - 1 etorphine 2 med 20 azaperone. Reverse opioid and medetomidine. If transported do not reverse the medetomidine and they remain calm in trailer, use low impact darts as they have very thin skin. Mtalika M.I, [21 Mar 2023 at 18:02:40]: Thank you Luis! However I was interested to know if I can use etorphine alone on zebra Rob Jackson, [21 Mar 2023 at 23:15:53]: I think it would be a horrible anaesthetic. I would use azaperone 80mg, 7mg etorphine . per adult if you have. Even then, can run if stimulated or chased. Reverse M5050 in truck, or if short trip can transfer them un-reversed, then give the antagonist on release. The ideal is Luis's doses. Hyalase will speed time to immobilisation by about 30%. Richard Burroughs, Hello MI. I agree with Rob. Etorphine on its own (and even with azaperone) gives no muscle relaxation. They can run some distances, and you may have trip them up to get them down. Severe muscle rigidity, shivering, sweating and paddling can result. Respiration is intermittent and not regular. The paddling is difficult to control, and the skin on the down side of the animal if in lateral recumbency can be severely damaged. If giving the antagonist in the trucks, give it 1/2 IM 1/2 s/c to reduce severe excitation that can result if no tranquillisers are given. The animals are often inclined to jump, resulting in injuries and fractures to the skull. Ensure that top and side ventilation slats are covered until after the animals have recovered. Beg borrow or s…… xylazine or Stresnil if medetomidine is not available. Even acetylpromazine is better than nothing. Or use ketamine/xylazine (Hellabrun mixture) if in a confined area.
