Background: Although inappetence is a common clinical sign in ill four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris), there is limited information on the use of appetite stimulants in this species. Capromorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue that acts as a selective ghrelin receptor agonist. It has been demonstrated to increase food intake in dogs and cats with normal appetite as well as in dogs with inappetence. Methods: The effects of capromorelin on food intake and body weight were studied in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, complete cross-over study in 10 healthy adult hedgehogs. Baseline food intake and body weight were recorded, and hedgehogs were administered either capromorelin (10 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume (0.33 mL/kg) of an oral compounding vehicle PO via syringe daily in the early evening for 5 days. Food intake and body weight were measured daily for 4 days following the last dose. Results: Hedgehogs produced foamy saliva during oral administration regardless of treatment. Over the 5-day treatment period, hedgehogs administered capromorelin ate more food (median: 11%, range: -37% to 71%) than hedgehogs in the control group, and 7/10 (70%) hedgehogs administered capromorelin had an increase in food intake. However, this change in food intake was not statistically significantly different when compared to the control group. Body weight did not increase following capromorelin administration. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Unlike in other species, repeated daily oral administration of capromorelin doses at 10 mg/kg does not appear to induce the same degree of appetite stimulation in hedgehogs. Further research is needed to determine if capromorelin is effective in hedgehogs with inappetence.

The antipsychotic medication haloperidol has been used for many years in avian medicine as a pharmacologic therapy for refractory feather destructive behavior in pet parrots. However, despite its common use, there are no published studies evaluating its efficacy and adverse effects in psittacine birds. The goal of this study was to report the signalment, clinical presentation, dosing regimen, response to therapy, and adverse effects of companion psittacine birds prescribed oral haloperidol therapy at a single veterinary referral hospital. Included cases were pet psittacine birds that were prescribed haloperidol between 2012 and 2022 and had sufficient follow-up information available to assess efficacy and adverse effects. Nineteen parrots met the case criteria for inclusion. Haloperidol was prescribed for 17 birds with feather destructive behavior, 1 bird for excessive sexual behavior, and 1 bird prophylactically after surgery of the uropygial gland. The most common species prescribed haloperidol were grey parrots (n = 5) (Psittacus erithacus), umbrella cockatoos (n = 4) (Cacatua alba), and Pionus spp. (n = 2). Most (12/18 [67%]) birds were classified as having a positive response to haloperidol administration. The initial median (interquartile range) total daily dose for all birds in the study was 0.24 mg/kg (0.18-0.4 mg/kg). Adverse effects were reported in 9/19 (47%) birds with grey parrots being the most common species displaying adverse effects. The most common adverse effect reported was lethargy in 5/19 (26%) birds. Some adverse effects were mitigated by adjusting dosing, and more severe adverse effects resolved after discontinuing haloperidol. This study provides descriptive data for a commonly used antipsychotic medication to assist veterinarians treating avian patients.

Background: Orthopedic surgery in macropods is underreported. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings of macropods diagnosed with coxofemoral luxation and treated by open reduction and surgical stabilization between the years of 2016 and 2023. Results: Three cases (red kangaroo [Osphranter rufus], n = 2; Bennett's wallaby [Notamacropus rufogriseus], n = 1) were included. One kangaroo was tolerant of handling while the other two animals were intractable. Coxofemoral luxation was diagnosed radiographically and closed reduction was unsuccessful in all cases. Anesthesia was induced, and lumbosacral subarachnoid analgesia or epidural anesthesia was performed in the kangaroos. All cases received anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibiotic therapies peri- and postoperatively. A craniolateral surgical approach was made over the coxofemoral joint as in canine patients. Open reduction was performed and a TightRope (R) system was placed. Postoperative radiographs confirmed joint reduction and appropriate implant position. One kangaroo developed postoperative subcutaneous edema of the distal ipsilateral limb, which resolved with supportive therapies. Exercise restriction was instituted in all cases for 6-8 weeks before gradually increasing activity. The wallaby re-presented 4 months later for a right subtrochanteric femoral fracture. On radiographic and intra-operative evaluation, there was no apparent association between this fracture and the previous luxation repair. No clinical or radiographic evidence of implant failure was appreciated up to 22 months postoperatively, although detailed follow-up information was not available for 2 cases. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Based on these successful outcomes, TightRope (R) system stabilization may be considered for coxofemoral luxation in macropods to preserve joint anatomy and function.

Objective:To demonstrate the proper technique for performing a systematic oral examination in dogs and to explain the clinical significance of oral health assessment in veterinary practice. Animals:Client-owned dogs of various breeds, ages, and sizes presented for routine wellness examinations or oral health evaluations. Methods:This instructional video outlines a step-by-step approach to conducting a conscious canine oral examination, including patient positioning, safe handling techniques, and systematic inspection of oral structures such as the lips, gingiva, teeth, tongue, palate, and oropharynx. The video also highlights normal anatomical features and common pathologies, such as periodontal disease, fractured teeth, and others. Footage was recorded in a clinical setting with a cooperative canine patient and voice-over narration for educational clarity. Results:Viewers are provided with a practical visual guide to improve their ability to identify oral abnormalities and perform comprehensive oral assessments. Emphasis is placed on recognizing early signs of disease and understanding the limitations of conscious oral examinations compared to those performed under anesthesia. Clinical Relevance:Routine oral examinations are a critical component of canine health assessments. The conscious oral examination informs treatment planning for a complete oral health assessment under general anesthesia. Early detection of oral disease can lead to timely intervention, improve quality of life, and prevent systemic complications. This video aims to enhance clinical confidence and promote best practices among veterinary professionals and students by reinforcing the "why" and "how" of the canine oral examination.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) for sedation of red-eared sliders and to assess the effect of injection site location on sedation parameters. METHODS Over a 1-month trial period, healthy turtles obtained from a rescue were administered TZ (10 mg/kg, SC) in the forelimb (FL) or hind limb (HL) in a randomized, blinded crossover design in a laboratory setting. Heart rate; respiratory rate; neck, forelimb, and hind limb muscle tone; pelvic limb withdrawal reflex; jaw tone; cloacal tone; and feasibility of positioning for jugular venipuncture were evaluated. Flumazenil at 0.05 mg/kg was administered SC 45 minutes after TZ injection for recovery. Time to first effects, total sedation score, and time to recovery were recorded. RESULTS There was no significant difference in mean time to initial sedative effects between FL (11 ± 4 minutes) and HL (14 ± 6 minutes) treatments in the study population (n = 8 turtles). Six of 8 turtles (75%) and 5 of 8 turtles (63%) in the FL and HL treatments, respectively, developed decreased muscle tone. Simulated jugular venipuncture was successful in 7 of 8 turtles (88%) in both treatments, although additional restraint was required in 3 of 8 turtles (43%) in the HL group. There was no significant difference in total sedation score at any time point between treatments, and median heart rate across the sedative period was similar between treatment groups. Mean time to recovery was similar between treatments (FL, 135 ± 55 minutes; HL, 165 ± 45 minutes). CONCLUSIONS Tiletamine-zolazepam (10 mg/kg) produced moderate sedation of red-eared sliders. The location of SC TZ injection administration did not significantly affect sedation parameters in this species. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Subcutaneous TZ can be used for sedation of red-eared sliders in clinical practice to facilitate examination and blood collection in this species.

These studies aimed to evaluate the appetite-stimulating effects of capromorelin, cyproheptadine, and mirtazapine in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). The effects of a single oral dose of capromorelin (10 and 40 mg/kg), cyproheptadine (0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg), and mirtazapine (1 and 5 mg/kg) on food intake in budgerigars (n = 12 per study) were evaluated in 3 separate blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled complete crossover studies. Food intake was quantified in hourly intervals between 1 and 8 hours after administration and in a 4-hour interval between 8 and 12 hours. Both doses of capromorelin significantly increased mean food intake in the first 12 hours after administration (10 mg/kg: 66 ± 39 g/kg; 40 mg/kg: 71 ± 40 g/kg) compared with the control treatment (46 ± 30 g/kg). Administration at 10 and 40 mg/kg capromorelin resulted in a 1.5-fold increase (interval: 0.4-9) and 1.7-fold increase (interval: 0.7-5.5) in food intake, respectively. Productive and nonproductive regurgitation after administration of capromorelin at 40 mg/kg occurred in 92% of birds within 1 hour of administration, compared with 42% of birds and 25% of birds who regurgitated in the 10 mg/kg and control treatments, respectively. Cyproheptadine and mirtazapine did not have a measurable appetite-stimulating effect in this study, and no significant adverse effects were recorded.

Background: There is little information regarding analgesia in pet hedgehogs. A recent study demonstrated that a single subcutaneous (SC) injection of buprenorphine hydrochloride in four-toed hedgehogs produced antinociception up to 36 to 48 hours, longer than for any other species. The goal of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of a single, deep SC dose of buprenorphine hydrochloride in four-toed hedgehogs to expand our understanding of clinical pharmacokinetics in this popular pet species. Methods: Baseline blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of 6 adult hedgehogs under isoflurane anesthesia. Buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg) was administered into the dorsal spined skin overlying the scapula at an approximate depth of 1.3 cm. Subsequent blood samples were collected at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120 hours after buprenorphine administration. Heparinized blood samples were stored on ice then centrifuged and plasma removed within 4 hours of collection. Plasma was frozen at -80 degrees C until analysis. Plasma levels of buprenorphine were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and a noncompartmental model was used to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Median (range) maximum plasma concentration was 1.6 (0.7-8.0) ng/mL and the time to maximum plasma concentration was 4.3 (0.5-36) hr. The plasma terminal half-life was 25.3 (16.9-41.5) hr. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Buprenorphine hydrochloride has a very long half-life and marked variability in plasma concentrations following deep SC administration into the mantle in hedgehogs. Further research is needed to determine a correlation between plasma buprenorphine levels and a clinical analgesic effect in this species.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydromorphone administered SC in four-toed hedgehogs ( Atelerix albiventris ). ANIMALS 12 healthy adult hedgehogs. METHODS Hedgehogs underwent 2 randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, complete crossover studies. Hind limb withdrawal latencies in response to an acute thermal noxious stimulus were measured to evaluate the antinociceptive efficacy of hydromorphone. Baseline latencies were obtained prior to injection and collected again at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours following injection. Based on pilot studies, single doses of SC hydromorphone at 0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg were evaluated for efficacy in crossover trials. Safety of single (0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg) and multiple doses of hydromorphone (0.3 mg/kg, SC, q 4 h, for 3 doses) was also assessed. In addition to monitoring behavior during latency measurements, animals were evaluated for overt sedation and daily changes in food intake, body weight, and running wheel activity for 6 days after injection to evaluate for adverse effects. RESULTS Hydromorphone at 0.15 mg/kg provided antinociception lasting < 4 hours, and 0.3 mg/kg provided antinociception lasting < 6 hours. Hydromorphone produced transient abnormal behaviors at both doses, including vocalization, chewing motions of the jaw, and paw raising. There were no statistically significant differences in body weight or running wheel activity between treatments for single or multiple doses of hydromorphone. Three doses of 0.3 mg/ kg hydromorphone (q 4 h) produced a statistically significant decrease (median, -9.7%; range, -64% to 10%) in 6-day total food intake. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Subcutaneous hydromorphone (0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg) can be used for short-term antinociception with transient adverse effects in hedgehogs.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SC methadone in four-toed hedgehogs.ANIMALS:9 to 12 healthy adult four-toed hedgehogs (7 to 9 males and 3 females).METHODS:Hedgehogs underwent 3 randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, complete crossover studies. Hind limb withdrawal latencies in response to an acute thermal noxious stimulus were measured to evaluate the antinociceptive efficacy of methadone. Single doses of SC methadone were evaluated at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg for dose-dependent effects. Additionally, methadone (1.5 mg/kg) was administered at different concentrations to assess the effect of injection volume on antinociceptive efficacy. Finally, the safety of multiple doses of methadone (1.5 mg/kg, SC, q 2 h, for 3 doses) was also evaluated. In addition to monitoring behavior during latency measurements, animals were assessed for overt sedation. Food intake, body weight, and running wheel activity were assessed daily for 6 days following methadone administration to evaluate for adverse effects.RESULTS:Methadone at 1 and 1.5 mg/kg provided antinociception lasting < 2 hours, and injection volume had no significant effect on efficacy. Methadone at 0.5 mg/kg did not induce antinociception. Methadone produced transient abnormal behaviors in all hedgehogs, with more animals affected at the 1.5-mg/kg dose. Behaviors included periods of standing motionless, vocalization, chewing motions, and paw raising. Single- or multiple-dose administration of methadone had no significant effect on total food intake, body weight, or running wheel activity.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The results of this study provide additional information on providing analgesia to hedgehogs. Subcutaneous methadone (1 to 1.5 mg/kg) can be used for short-term antinociception in hedgehogs.

Background: : Trichophytobezoars have been reported in a variety of mammalian taxa, including macropods, but successful antemortem diagnosis and surgical excision in macropods is rare. Case description: : An 11-month-old, castrated male, red-necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) was presented for evaluation of a sudden onset of lethargy, anorexia, tremoring, and ataxia. The wallaby was hospitalized and started on supportive care. Baseline bloodwork showed wa low normal white blood cell count and a low normal potassium. Abdominal radiography and computed tomography were subsequently performed and demonstrated severe gastric dilatation secondary to gastric and small intestinal foreign bodies. Based on the diagnostic imaging findings, a laparotomy with gastrotomy and enterotomy was performed to successfully remove the gastric and small intestinal foreign bodies, which were trichophytobezoars. The wallaby recovered fully from the procedure.Conclusions and case relevance: : Abdominal radiography and computed tomography were strongly supportive of intestinal mechanical obstruction. Gastrotomy and enterotomy successfully relieved a small intestinal mechanical obstruction in a clinically ill macropod who, postoperatively, was apparently healthy for at least 14 months. Gas-trointestinal bezoars should be considered a differential diagnosis for macropods with nonspecific gastrointestinal signs.

Dermatologic diseases are frequently diagnosed in the four-toed hedgehog. Common clinical signs include spine loss, scales and crusts, pruritus, alopecia, and masses. Caparinia tripilis, family Psoroptidae, is the most common mite affecting hedgehogs, and is diagnosed via light microscopy. Dermatophytosis from Trichophyton erinacei infection is a common zoonotic dermatologic disease in pet hedgehogs. Diagnosis is through fungal culture. Neoplasia is another major cause of dermatologic diseases in four-toed hedgehogs. The diagnostic approach typically begins with a fine-needle aspirate but often requires a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE:To retrospectively evaluate the prevalence and clinical progression of wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) and concurrent incidence of neoplasia in a cohort of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).ANIMALS:49 hedgehogs.CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND PROCEDURES:Medical records of hedgehogs from 7 institutions across the US over a 20-year period (2000 to 2020) were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were hedgehogs of any sex or age with postmortem CNS histopathology consistent with WHS. Collected data included sex, age at onset and euthanasia, major histopathologic findings, reported neurologic clinical signs, and treatments administered.RESULTS:24 males and 25 females were included. Fifteen of 49 (31%) individuals had subclinical WHS with no reported antemortem neurologic clinical signs. In neurologically affected (clinical) hedgehogs (n = 34), the mean ± SD age at onset was 3.3 ± 1.5 years with a median (range) time from onset to euthanasia of 51 days (1 to 319 days). In neurologically affected hedgehogs, the most commonly reported clinical signs were ataxia (n = 21) and pelvic limb paresis (16) and the most commonly administered treatment was meloxicam (13). Overall, 31 of 49 (63%) hedgehogs had a concurrent histopathologic diagnosis of neoplasia outside of the CNS.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The prognosis for hedgehogs with WHS is poor. No treatment had a significant effect on survival time, and neoplasia was a common comorbidity in the current cohort. A small but clinically relevant subset of neurologically normal hedgehogs had a histopathologic diagnosis of WHS.

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) has been long considered to be a myelin disease primarily affecting the fourtoed hedgehog. In this study, we have shown for the first time that demyelination is accompanied by extensive remyelination in WHS. However, remyelination is not enough to compensate for the axonal degeneration and neuronal loss, resulting in a progressive neurodegenerative disease reminiscent of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans. Thus, understanding the pathological features of WHS may shed light on the disease progression in progressive MS and ultimately help to develop therapeutic strategies for both diseases.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate and describe an extraoral approach to perform a maxillary nerve block in guinea pigs. STUDY DESIGN:Prospective, randomized, blinded, descriptive, cadaveric study. ANIMALS:A total of 14 adult guinea pig cadavers. METHODS:Two cadavers were used for anatomic dissection and determination of maxillary nerve block approach. A maxillary nerve block via infraorbital approach was then performed in 12 cadavers. A low volume (0.1 mL) or high volume (0.2 mL) of diluted methylene blue injectate was randomly assigned to the right or left side, with the other volume used for the contralateral side. The maxillary nerve was dissected after each injection by an investigator blinded to injectate volume. The region of dye distribution was identified, and the degree of staining assigned an accuracy score (0-2). Nerve coverage was considered adequate if ≥6 mm of circumferential staining was present. RESULTS:Accuracy evaluation indicated successful dye deposition in 10/12 [2 (0-2), median (range)] injections in the low volume group and 8/12 [2 (1-2)] injections in the high volume group. The majority (79.2%) of injections resulted in adequate nerve staining. There were no statistically significant differences between injectate volumes for accuracy (p = 0.64) or adequacy (p > 0.99) of staining. CONCLUSIONS:The infraorbital approach is a simple and practical method for maxillary nerve blockade in guinea pigs. An injectate volume of 0.1 mL results in adequate maxillary nerve coverage; however, additional studies are needed to assess the efficacy in clinical use.

Background: Midazolam has been shown to increase food intake in budgerigars. However, its effect on appetite beyond one hour after administration is unknown. Lorazepam is a longer-acting benzodiazepine and may provide more sustained appetite-stimulating effects in birds, but currently, no information on its appetite or sedative effects in budgerigars is available. Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded, complete crossover study, the effects of midazolam (1 mg/kg IM) or lorazepam (1 mg/kg IM) were compared to a control treatment (1 ml/kg sterile water IM) in healthy adult budgerigars (n = 22). Food intake was measured for on one hour before and twelve hours after drug administration. Behavioral changes and adverse effects were monitored by video recording. Results: Compared to the control treatment, food intake increased significantly following midazolam and lorazepam administration in the first hour after drug administration. The total amount of food ingested over time was significantly higher for the first five hours after midazolam or lorazepam administration compared to the control treatment. Sedation occurred for the first three hours after drug administration with both drugs. There was no clinical or statistical significance difference between lorazepam and midazolam regarding appetite stimulation or sedative effects in this study. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Both midazolam and lorazepam are potent, short-acting appetite stimulants in budgerigars. To induce a sustained increase in food intake, the repeated administration of these drugs would be required. The use of lorazepam does not appear to provide any advantages compared to the more widely available and frequently used midazolam in budgerigars.

Currently, drug-induced stimulation of appetite is not commonly performed in hyporexic or anorexic companion psittacine birds. Instead, to prevent a catabolic state and weight loss, supplemental feedings are routinely performed by crop gavage. However, crop gavage is not without complications and is stressful to the patient and labor intensive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of midazolam on food intake in healthy budgerigars. In a randomized, blinded, controlled study, change in food intake after intramuscular administration of midazolam (1 mg/kg) or a placebo-control treatment (0.9% saline) was evaluated in 12 healthy adult budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Food intake was quantified for 1 hour before and after drug administration. Birds were monitored for feeding behavior as well as signs of sedation. After midazolam administration, a median 6-fold (1.1-28) increase in food intake was recorded. In 3 of 6 (50%) birds, the food intake increase after midazolam administration was.10-fold (median 17-fold [10-28]), whereas in the remaining 3 birds, food intake increased by only 1.7-fold (1.1-1.8). The median amount of food ingested (16.7 g/kg [3.2-43.2 g/kg]) was significantly higher after midazolam administration compared with the control group (1.9 g/kg [0.0-19.7 g/kg], P = .015). The median time birds spent displaying feeding behavior after the midazolam injection was 18% (0-43%), compared with 1% (0-20%) in the control group after saline injection. Five of 6 (83%) birds showed signs consistent with mild sedation after midazolam administration. This study demonstrates that midazolam is an appetite stimulant in budgerigars. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether midazolam's effects on food intake are dose dependent and whether the duration of effect exceeds 1 hour.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcome of surgical fixation of shell fractures in rehabilitated wild freshwater turtles. ANIMALS 51 freshwater turtles with 86 shell fractures. PROCEDURES The medical record database of a wildlife rehabilitation center in Wisconsin was searched from 2014 through 2019 for records of freshwater turtles with shell fractures repaired with a plate technique, screws and wire technique, or both. Signalment, fracture location, therapeutic approach (including the type of hardware used for repair), dry-docking duration, time to hardware removal, postremoval care, and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS 36 of 51 (71%) turtles with shell fractures experienced successful fracture healing following surgical hardware fixation, and 33 (65%) were released. Shells of 38 (75%) turtles were repaired with plates only, 5 (10%) turtles with wire only, and 8 (16%) turtles with a combination of plates and screws and wires. Of the 51 turtles, 13 (25%) did not survive > 4 weeks following hardware repair, leaving 38 animals available to assess fracture healing. Median time to start staged removal was 42 days (range, 35 to 49 days) and to complete removal of the applied hardware was 56 days (range, 26 to 77 days). Complications associated with placement of the hardware occurred in 6 of 38 (16%) turtles. Complications included screw hole infection (4/38 [11%]), fracture necrosis (1/38 [3%]), and deep screw hole penetration (1/38 [3%]). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that shell fractures in freshwater turtles treated with surgical fixation techniques had a successful outcome. Most complications were minor, and fractures improved with time, resulting in acceptable fracture healing for release.

OBJECTIVES:To evaluate and describe brainstem auditory-evoked response measurements in healthy African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).MATERIALS AND METHODS:Brainstem auditory-evoked response measurements were performed in 12 adult African pygmy hedgehogs (seven males, five females) under general anaesthesia. Waveform morphology was assessed and wave latencies, amplitudes and interpeak latencies calculated.RESULTS:Brainstem auditory-evoked response measurements were successfully performed in both ears from all hedgehogs. Three distinct waves were reproducible in all patients in both ears using a stimulus with an intensity of 90 dB nHL (decibel above normal hearing level). Amplitudes of waves I and V, latencies of waves I, II-III and V and interpeak latencies of waves I-V were calculated at 90 dB for both ears of each animal.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:This study describes normal brainstem auditory-evoked response morphology and latencies for African pygmy hedgehogs. General anaesthesia is required to perform this neurodiagnostic, given the unique behaviour and anatomy of hedgehogs. This baseline data may be useful for investigating hearing abnormalities and central nervous system disorders in hedgehogs.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tiletamine–zolazepam as a sedative drug in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and determine if efficacy differed based on administration route. Ten healthy, adult central bearded dragons received tiletamine–zolazepam (20 mg/kg) either intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SC) in the cranial body in a randomized, blinded, complete crossover study with a minimum washout period of 2 wk between treatments. Respiratory rate, heart rate, body position, response to restraint, spontaneous movement, righting reflex, and jaw tone were evaluated. All bearded dragons received flumazenil (0.05 mg/kg, SC) in the cranial body 45 min after the initial tiletamine–zolazepam injection. Righting reflex was lost in all bearded dragons receiving tiletamine–zolazepam IM, but only half of the animals lost righting reflex after SC injection. Jaw tone was lost in 90% (9/10) of animals receiving IM injections compared to 40% (4/10) following SC injections. Recovery from sedation was similar between route of administration (IM: 69 ± 39 min, SC: 57 ± 33 min, P= 0.43). Postsedation food intake was suppressed 2 h after return of righting reflex. Based on the findings of this study, IM administration of tiletamine–zolazepam results in a deeper and more consistent plane of sedation in bearded dragons when compared to the SC route. Prolonged recoveries were noted with both routes of administration.

African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are popular zoological companion animals that routinely require chemical immobilization for veterinary care. The objective of this randomized, blinded, cross-over study was to evaluate the efficacy of low and high dosages of subcutaneous (SC) tiletamine-zolazepam for sedation and the efficacy of flumazenil for recovery in African pygmy hedgehogs. Twelve adult hedgehogs (7 males, 5 females) were administered tiletamine-zolazepam at 10 mg/kg (T10) or 30 mg/kg (T30) SC. Physiologic variables, reflexes and behaviors were monitored to evaluate quality of immobilization. Forty-five minutes after tiletamine-zolazepam injection, hedgehogs were administered flumazenil or an equivalent volume of saline SC. Baseline daily food intake was measured and then recorded daily for 6 days following sedation trials. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to onset of first effects for T10 and T30 was 2.9 minutes (2.5–5.3 minutes) and 2 minutes (1.4–2.9 minutes), respectively. Eighty-three percent of T10 and 100% of T30 hedgehogs lost righting reflex. The median (IQR) duration righting reflex was lost for T10 was 32.5 minutes (23.8–37.5 minutes) and it was lost for 47.5 minutes (36.25–63.75 minutes) for T30. Jaw tone was reduced in the majority of animals for both dosages but never lost. Heart and respiratory rate for both treatments remained within normal limits. Hedgehogs became rapidly hypothermic after induction. Flumazenil administration did not have a statistically significant effect on recovery time, but mean recovery times were 18 minutes faster for T10 hedgehogs administered flumazenil. There were no statistically significant differences in food intake within or between dosages of tiletamine-zolazepam at any time point for hedgehogs administered saline or flumazenil; however, mean food intake over the 6 days following T10 administration was 16 g/kg more for hedgehogs administered flumazenil. SC tiletamine-zolazepam at 10 and 30 mg/kg produces dose-dependent heavy sedation to light anesthesia in hedgehogs. Subjectively, while both dosages provided a sufficient depth of immobilization to permit a physical examination and noninvasive procedures like blood collection or diagnostic imaging, some jaw tone was maintained precluding endotracheal intubation. T30 provided a deeper level of immobilization than T10 but longer recovery times. Flumazenil administration did not have a statistically significant effect on recovery but recovery times were noticeably faster following SC flumazenil in hedgehogs sedated with T10. For hedgehogs immobilized with T10, mean food intake was greater when flumazenil was administered. Tiletamine-zolazepam provides an injectable option for immobilization of hedgehogs.