Abstract

Alfaxalone (Alfaxan®, Jurox, London, UK, 10 mg/ml) is a rapid-acting, neurosteroid anesthetic that can be administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection. Alfaxalone is widely used throughout Europe, Australia, and Canada in a variety of domestic and exotic species.^2-8 Reported use in marine mammals is limited, with the most complete study to date having been done in free-ranging South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis).¹

Anesthetic induction of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) (n=9) with alfaxalone (1.07–2.02 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.196–0.312 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly was performed opportunistically during assessments at a rehabilitation center. Mean and median times to initial effect were 3.22 and 3.0 minutes respectively. Mean and median times to recumbency were 5.22 and 4.0 minutes, respectively. A deep plane of sedation adequate for non-stimulating procedures including radiographs, ultrasound, and blood sampling was achieved. Supplemental isoflurane was required for more invasive procedures (n=6) such as oral surgery and wound debridement. Heart and respiratory rates remained within normal ranges. Mild to moderate hypoxia was noted in some cases (n=2) but was quickly corrected with intubation and supplemental oxygen. Mild to moderate muscle fasciculation was commonly noted and exacerbated by auditory stimuli, but not tactile or visual stimuli. No other side effects were observed. Smooth recoveries from anesthesia were noted in cases antagonized with flumazenil (n=5, 0.010–0.016 mg/kg IM).

Alfaxalone with midazolam appears to be a safe and reliable combination for anesthetic induction in California sea lions and warrants further investigation. Additionally, this may be a favorable induction protocol for ophthalmic exams and procedures, as ventromedial rotation of the globe was minimal compared to other drug combinations.

Literature Cited

1.  Adkesson MJ, Meegan JM, Jankowski G, Cárdenas-Alayza S, Bailey JE. Evaluation of alfaxalone (Alfaxan®) for sedation of South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis). In: Proceedings from the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine Annual Conference. 2013:314–315.

2.  Bertelsen MF, Sauer CD. Alfaxalone anaesthesia in the green iguana (Iguana iguana). Vet Anaesth Analg. 2011;38:461–466.

3.  Bouts T, Karunaratna D, Berry K, Dodds J, Gasthuys F, Routh A, Taylor P. Evaluation of medetomidine-alfaxalone and medetomidine-ketamine in semi-free ranging Bennett’s wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus). J Zoo Wildl Med. 2011;42(4):617–622.

4.  Ferré PJ, Pasloske K, Whittem T, Ranasinghe MG, Li Q, Lefebvre HP. Plasma pharmacokinetics of alfaxalone in dogs after an intravenous bolus of Alfaxan-CD RTU. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2006;33(4):229–236.

5.  Kischinovsky M, Duse A, Wang T, Bertelsen MF. Intramuscular administration of alfaxalone in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)—effects of dose and body temperature. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2013;40(1):13–20.

6.  Minter LJ, Harms CA, Archibald KE, Broadhurst H, Bailey KM, Christiansen EF, et al. Efficacy of alfaxalone for intravascular anesthesia and euthanasia in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). J Zoo Wildl Med. 2013;44:694–699.

7.  Muir W, Lerche P, Wiese A, Nelson L, Pasloske K, Whittem T. The cardiorespiratory and anesthetic effects of clinical and supraclinical doses of alfaxalone in cats. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2009;36(1):42–54.

8.  Posner LP, Bailey KM, Richardson EY, Motsinger-Reif AA, Harms CA. Alfaxalone anesthesia in bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana) by injection or immersion. J Zoo Wildl Med. 2013;44:965–971.