Immobilization of captive plains zebras (Equus quagga) with a combination of etorphine hydrochloride, acepromazine, and xylazine hydrochloride

• Main Authors: Tithipong Plangsangmas, Hathaipat Rattanathanya, Wanlaya Tipkantha, Saowaphang Sanannu, Umaporn Maikaew, Jessada Thaeonoen, Bencharong Sangkharak, Pornpiroon Chinson, Watcharin Hin-On, Nathavut Kanatiyanont, Boripat Siriaroonrat, Nantarika Chansue, Parntep Ratanakorn
• Other Authors: Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University
• Format: Note
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Veterinary
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/75375
• Institution: Mahidol University

The plains zebra (Equus quagga) is a zebra species commonly kept in zoos around the world. However, they are not tame like their domestic relatives and are difficult to immobilize. We immobilized 30 captive plains zebra with a combination of etorphine hydrochloride (2–4 mg), acepromazine (8 mg), and xylazine hydrochloride (30 or 50 mg) to perform physical examination and blood sample collection for disease diagnostics. Physiological parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation were recorded. All zebras exhibited satisfactory anesthesia and fully recovered without re-narcotization. The results suggest that etorphine hydrochloride-acepromazine-xylazine hydrochloride combination for plains zebra immobilization is a safe and sufficient regimen for short procedures such as wellness examinations and sample collection.