Ketamine is a rapid-acting general anesthetic that has significant analgesic activity and a relative lack of cardiopulmonary depressant effects in healthy animals. It is thought to induce both anesthesia and amnesia by functionally disrupting the CNS through over-stimulating the CNS or inducing a cataleptic state. Ketamine binds the phencyclidine-binding site of the NMDA receptors, which prevents glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, from stimulating these receptors. Ketamine also interacts with opioid and monoaminergic receptors, which contributes to the antinociceptive effects of this drug. It is also believed that ketamine acts as an antagonist at the muscarinic receptor site, due to its anticholinergic effects (eg, bronchodilation, delirium, and sympathomimetic action); however, these symptoms may also be caused by direct stimulation of the sympathetic system.3
Ketamine is a rapid-acting general anesthetic that has significant analgesic activity and a relative lack of cardiopulmonary depressant effects in healthy animals. It is thought to induce both anesthesia and amnesia by functionally disrupting the CNS through over-stimulating the CNS or inducing a cataleptic state. Ketamine binds the phencyclidine-binding site of the NMDA receptors, which prevents glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, from stimulating these receptors. Ketamine also interacts with opioid and monoaminergic receptors, which contributes to the antinociceptive effects of this drug. It is also believed that ketamine acts as an antagonist at the muscarinic receptor site, due to its anticholinergic effects (eg, bronchodilation, delirium, and sympathomimetic action); however, these symptoms may also be caused by direct stimulation of the sympathetic system.
Dosages
When using medetomidine in zoo, exotic and wildlife medicine refer to specific references, including:
a) Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia, 2nd ed. West, G., Heard, D., Caulkett, N. (eds.). Blackwell Publishing, 2014.
b) Handbook of Wildlife Chemical Immobilization, 3rd Ed. Kreeger, T.J. and J.M. Arnemo. 2007.
c) Fowler’s Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy, Volume 7, Miller, R.E., Fowler, M.E., Saunders. 2011.
