Application of Oxygen During Medetomidine and Ketamine Immobilization of Wolverines (Gulo gulo)

Abstract

chemical immobilization involves risks for study animals. Research indicates that anesthetized Wolverines (Gulo gulo) can develop hypoxemia due to drug-induced physiological changes and altitude. We administered supplemental oxygen intranasally at flow rates between 0.5 and 1.5 l/min to Wolverines immobilized by edetomidine and ketamine between ~2110–2880 m in the Rocky Mountains. Following capture in log box traps, we measured hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) and rectal temperature before and after application of oxygen using a pulse oximeter and digital thermometer. We determined oxygen flow rates based on the volume required to reach a SpO2 reading over 90%. We observed initial hemoglobin oxygen saturation below 75%, indicating hypoxemia, for all Wolverines handled. Supplemental oxygen reversed the hypoxemia, increasing hemoglobin oxygen saturation to over 90% within 13 min in all cases. We recommend that supplemental oxygen be provided to immobilized
Wolverines anesthetized using medetomidine and ketamine to guard against hypoxemia.