Comparison of chemical restraint techniques in ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Chemical restraint in ostriches is usually required for short-time interventions. Thus, this study established and evaluated intravenous anesthetics formulated from commonly used drugs in order to accomplish total restraint on this species and allow painful procedures to be performed. Thirty male and female ostriches weighing from 40 to 90 kg were randomly distributed into five groups. Animals in Groups I, II and III were given acepromazine (0.25 mg/kg i.m.) and those in Groups IV and V were given xylazine (1.0 mg/kg i.m.). The following drugs were administered intravenously 15 to 20 min later: Group I - propofol (4.0 mg/kg), Groups II and IV - ketamine (5.0 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.25 mg/kg), Groups III and V - tiletamine-zolazepam (3.0 mg/kg). All protocols have produced satisfactory results regarding total containment, muscular relaxation and maintenance of the evaluated parameters within a normal range.