Comparative Analysis of Anesthesia Induction in Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) by Two Different Administration Routes and Doses of Ketamine and Medetomidine | Chapter 9 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 4
The growing popularity of turtles as pets has led to increased demand for veterinary care for these animals. Reptile anesthesia can be challenging, and ketamine in combination with medetomidine administered intramuscularly or intravenously can lead to superficial anesthesia. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of ketamine and medetomidine by two different doses and routes on anesthesia depth and cardiac stability in red-eared sliders. The study was conducted at the Veterinary Faculty – University of Sarajevo. Each turtle was anesthetized two times, with seven days wash-out period. Induction of anesthesia consisted of a bolus combination of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and medetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) administered in the left brachial biceps in the intramuscular protocol, or a bolus combination of ketamine (20 mg/kg) and medetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) administered in subcarapacial sinus after clear blood presence confirmation in the intravenous protocol. Vital signs, reaction on the skin palp...