Practical Anesthesia for Captive Wild Animals

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Any interaction with a wild animal is inherently dangerous. So, as a result, working closely with wild animals in order to provide essential medical care and treatment is very challenging. Obviously, when dental procedures are required in any animal, the patient must be anesthetized. Regardless of the facility and the types of animals involved, proper preparation for any anesthetic procedure is essential. This brief chapter barely scrapes the surface regarding anesthesia in a handful of wild animals. It describes several factors that must be considered when developing an anesthetic protocol and provides some suggestions that have been successfully utilized in both zoological institutions as well as animal sanctuaries. Regardless of the protocol, administration of fluids IV or subcutaneously is recommended to support the patient's renal function and cardiovascular system while aiding in excretion of the drug(s).