Evaluation of the Effects of Dexmedetomidine inYellow-margined Box Turtle（Cuora flavomarginata）

• Main Authors: Chia Hao Tseng, 曾家豪
• Other Authors: 鄭豐邦
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/40835244763723191965

碩士 === 國立中興大學 === 獸醫學系暨研究所 === 102 === The yellow-margined box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata） is an endangered species,inhabiting in the East Asia. It is threatened by two major factors: capture for pet and food,habitat loss and fragmentation. Anesthesia in tortoises may be challenging because intravenous access is difficult and induction with inhaled anesthetic agents may be impeded by breath-holding. Dexmedetomidine (DEX） is an α2 receptor agonist that is used for muscle relaxation,and analgesic properties, whose effects are reversible with the α2 antagonists such as atipamezole or yohibime. DEX which is the dextrorotatory enantiomer of medetomidine, is the active component that has actual clinical effects, and has taken the place of medetomidine in veterinary clinical practice. Because DEX is a newly developed medicine in veterinary medicine, the study of the effects of reptiles is scare. Medetomidine has sedative and analgesic properties, and has been used for intramuscular sedation in several chelonian species including the desert tortoise and for anesthesia in combination with ketamine in red-eared sliders. Because of the unique anatomic structures, there are several limits while dealing with C. flavomarginata. This study is to seek a proper dosage of DEX for sedation of C. flavomarginata . Results of this study shows that, intramuscular administration of DEX in C. flavomarginata provides mild sedation effect with reduction of muscle tone and light analgesia, the depth of sedation is not enough for wound care or surgery, if making more invasive medical procedure, DEX should be used in combination with other anesthesia such as opioids, morphine, ketamine or alfaxalone.