Abstract

Authors of investigative studies or case presentations describing techniques of chemical immobilization begin their discussions defining the measurement intervals or observation parameters utilized for data collection in their study. A literature review finds data collection and reporting to be unstandardized between authors.

Similar terms often have different definitions. The term, “induction time” has been defined as the period from injection of the immobilizing drugs until the animal is:

a.  Immobile (either standing or recumbent)

b.  Recumbent (position unspecified)

c.  In lateral recumbency

d.  Head down

e.  Safe to handle

f.  Reaches an anesthetic plane

“Down time,” similarly has multiple definitions in the literature:

a.  Time from recumbency to standing

b.  Time from induction to antagonist administration

c.  Time from injection of the immobilizing drug until the animal becomes recumbent

The goal of this paper is to propose the adoption of standardized data collection and reporting techniques, to afford more meaningful comparison between techniques and information involving chemical immobilization and remotely delivered anesthetic agents. A checklist of suggested definitions, measurement intervals, and observational parameters is provided as a standardized framework of reference. This checklist was developed using models presented in the published literature by various individuals, working with many species in multiple countries.

Capture, immobilization, and anesthetic procedures in animals unaccustomed to human contact have the potential for injury and mortality to animals and staff. It is our duty as practitioners to maximize the amount of information gathered and shared from these procedures, so that techniques can be fully emulated or undesirable impacts defined and avoided.

© 2006 Safe-Capture International Inc. Reprinted with permission of Safe-Capture International Inc. and the authors. [CLKB9]