Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual (1998)

include endometrial hyperplasia, mammary and endometrial cancer, and diabetes mellitus. For thisreason they are recommended only for temporary control of reproduction. If longer-term contraceptionis necessary, permanent sterilization procedures such as ovariohysterectomy or castration should beconsidered. Several institutions have reported unexpected pregnancies when hormone implants wereunknowingly lost during breeding and fighting episodes. Implants can be obtained by contacting Dr.Edward Plotka, 11713 West Lane, Marshfield, WI 54449, Phone: 715-387-2793; Fax: 715-384-9910; E-mail: plotka@usa.net.If small-clawed otters are housed in a family group, only the original breeding pair will be reproductivelyactive. Breeding activity in any offspring that result from the pairing will usually be suppressed. Byvasectomizing the dominant-breeding male a stable non-reproductive group can be maintained.Obviously changes in the social structure of a group sometimes occur. However, with diligentobservation of social behavior, this reproductive control strategy can be successful.Immobilization/anesthesiaA variety of agents have been used to successfully immobilize small-clawed otters. Ketaminehydrochloride can be used alone or in combination with midazolam hydrochloride (Versad ® , RocheLabs, 340 Kingsland St., Nutley, NJ 07110-1199) or diazepam to improve muscle relaxation.Telazol ® (Fort Dodge, 9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Ste. 1500, Overland Park, KS 66210) is anothergood immobilizing agent for this species. Generally, it provides smooth, rapid induction and recoveryalong with good muscle relaxation. Doses of telazol required for adequate immobilization varyconsiderably between individuals. Ranges for some injectable drug combinations are listed below:• Telazol 5.5 to 9.0 mg/kg IM• Ketamine 12-15 mg/kg with midazolam 0.5-0.75 mg/kg IM (Spelman)• Ketamine 9-12 mg/kg with diazepam 0.5-0.6 mg/kg IMMuscle rigidity is common with these injectable drug combinations at the lower end of the dosages.Initial apnea and low oxygen saturation readings as measured by pulse oximetry often accompany higherdoses. All three combinations produce a relatively short duration of anesthesia time, approximately 15-30 minutes. Administering an additional 5 mg/kg ketamine IM when needed can prolong anesthesiatime. Alternatively the animal can be entubated and maintained on gas anesthesia.Combining ketamine with medetomidine hydrochloride (Lewis, 1991 and Spelman) (Domitor ® , PfizerAnimal Health, 812 Springdale Dr., Exton, PA 19341) may provide a slightly longer duration ofanesthesia and may give better myorelaxation, plus it has the added advantage of being reversible withatipamezole hydrochloride (Antisedan, Pfizer Animal Health, 812 Springdale Dr., Exton, PA 19341).Vomiting may occur during induction and initial apnea and low oxygen saturation readings are common.Supplemental oxygen should be available for administration if necessary. Dosages that have been usedsuccessfully are described below:• Ketamine 4-5.5 mg/kg with medetomidine 0.040-0.055 mg/kgIM (Spelman)• Reverse with atipamezole 0.200-0.275 mg/kg IM (Spelman)Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual/Health Care-26-