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

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) and ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg) were combined within a single syringe and delivered into the cloaca of each turtle. The respiratory rate, heart rate, and depth of sedation were assessed for each animal before the administration of anesthetics (T0), and after 5 (T5), 15 (T15), 30 (T30), 45 (T45), and 60 (T60) minutes. Owing to the unpredictability of the results, the authors only recommend intracloacal administration of combined dexmedetomidine and ketamine for sedation or short clinical procedures.