Med. Weter. 70 (3), 172-175, 2014
full text
| Krzysiak M., Larska M. |
| Pharmacological immobilization of European bison (Bison bonasus) |
| Bialowieza National Park (BNP) takes care of the free-ranging bison herds as well as captive bison reserves. Bison as a non-domestic animal requires general immobilization for the purposes of diagnostic sample collection, thorough clinical examination, treatment or prevention interventions. The paper presents the results of 110 successful immobilizations of European bison performed between 2009 and 2013 in the Bison Breeding Centre of the BNP. Due to use of specific drugs used and additional substances used for premedication, such as xylazine, immobilized animals were divided into three groups. The preparations were administered using specialized pneumatic Dan-Inject applicators. Experience shows that the use of preparations containing etorphine is safe for both the patient and the personnel after the immobilization of the animal. After successful shot the animal is immobilized after up to 15 minutes. General pharmacological immobilization allows for the efficient and safe performance of veterinary and animal husbandry manipulations such as blood, swab and tissue biopsy sampling. |
| Key words: pharmacological immobilization, European bison, etorphine hydrochloride, acepromazine maleate, xylazine |