Evaluation of Sedative and Physiological Effects of Intramuscular or Intranasal Ketamine–Midazolam and Ketamine–Dexmedetomidine in Capuchin Monkeys ( Sapajus sp.)

ABSTRACT Background This study evaluated the sedative and physiological effects of intramuscular (IM) or intranasal (IN) ketamine–midazolam and ketamine–dexmedetomidine in capuchin monkeys ( Sapajus sp.). Material and Methods Twenty‐four capuchin monkeys were randomly assigned into four groups (6 per group) to be administered ketamine (15 mg/kg) combined with midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg) IM (KM IM and KD IM groups, respectively) or IN (KM IN and KD IN groups, respectively). Physiological variables, sedation scores, and anesthetic recovery times were evaluated. Results All protocols resulted in tachypnea and heart rate values within the range indicated for the species. Blood pressure was significantly higher in KD IM compared with KM IM . All animals in KM IM and KD IM , and three animals in KM IN and KD IN , adopted lateral recumbency. Sedation, muscle relaxation, resistance to dorsal recumbency, and mandible tone scores were higher in KM IM and KD IM compared to KD IN . Posture scores were higher in KM IM and KD IM compared to KM IN . Time to standing was longer in KM IM and KD IM than in KD IN . Conclusion All protocols promoted tachypnea and few effects on HR and blood pressure. KM IM and KD IM result in deep sedation. KM IN and KD IN result in light sedation. Anesthetic recovery was faster with KD IN .