A combination of alfaxalone, medetomidine and midazolam for the chemical immobilization of Rhesus macaque (Macacamulatta): Preliminary results

BackgroundChemical immobilization of non-human primates can be required to perform scientific or veterinary procedure with different invasiveness degrees. This preliminary study was undertaken to assess the clinical effects of a combination of alfaxalone, medetomidine and midazolam (AMM). MethodsSeven rhesus macaques were chemically immobilized, for invasive veterinary procedures, with alfaxan 2mg kg(-1), medetomidine 20g kg(-1) and midazolam 0.3mg kg(-1) injected subcutaneously. ResultsThe alfaxalone combination induced surgical anaesthesia, with a complete absence of response to noxious stimuli, for at least 20minutes. The total duration of anaesthesia was 567minutes, and the administration of atipamezole, to partially reverse the combination effects, did not appear to alter the depth of anaesthesia. ConclusionIn conclusion, the AMM combination produced rapid onset general anaesthesia, following subcutaneous administration of a relatively low volume (0.28mL/kg) of injectate.