Evaluation of anaesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects after intramuscular administration of alfaxalone alone, alfaxalone-ketamine and alfaxalone-butorphanol-medetomidine in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Abstract

Background: Anaesthesia is often required in common marmosets undergoing various procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate anaesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects of alfaxalone, alfaxalone-ketamine and alfaxalone-butorphanol-medetomidine in common marmosets.

Methods: The following treatments were repeatedly administered to seven female common marmosets: Treatment A, alfaxalone (12 mg kg^-1 ) alone; treatment AK, alfaxalone (1 mg animal^-1 ) plus ketamine (2.5 mg animal^-1 ); treatment AMB, alfaxalone (4 mg kg^-1 ), medetomidine (50 µg kg^-1 ) plus butorphanol (0.3 mg kg^-1 ); and treatment AMB-Ati, AMB with atipamezole at 45 minutes.

Results and conclusions: Marmosets became laterally recumbent and unresponsive for approximately 30 minutes in A and AK and for approximately 60 minutes in AMB. The animals showed rapid recovery following atipamezole injection in AMB-Ati. The decrease in heart rate and SpO₂ was significantly greater in AMB compared to A and AK. Oxygen supplementation, anaesthetic monitors and atipamezole should be available especially when AMB is administered.

Keywords: Non-human primate; alfaxalone; anaesthesia; immobilization; marmoset.