Sedation with Intracloacal Administration of Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine in Yellow-bellied Sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta)

Abstract There is a paucity of published information regarding the mucosal absorption of anesthetic drugs in chelonians. The objective of this research investigation was to assess the usefulness of a dexmedetomidine and ketamine combination administered through the cloaca in a chelonian species, to provide evidence of mucosal absorption of the drugs, and suitability of this administration route. Fifteen healthy, adult captive yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) were used as subject animals. A combination of dexmedetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) with ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg) combined within a single syringe was administered in the cloaca of each turtle. The respiratory rate, heart rate and depth of sedation were assessed for each animal prior to the administration of anesthetics (T0), and after 5 (T5), 15 (T15), 30 (T30), 45 (T45), and 60 (T60) minutes, respectively. Due to the unpredictability of the results, the authors only recommend intracloacal (IClo) administration of combined dexmedetomidine and ketamine for only sedation or short clinical procedures.