These documents have been prepared by the EEHV Advisory/Working Groups and/or zoos that are listed as the authors. The opinions expressed in these documents are the author’s own and may not always reflect those expressed by other EEHV Advisory/Working Groups or zoos. Clinicians/zoos should make their own decisions based on their knowledge of the individual cases and use these guidelines at their own discretion.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia and sedation may seem a daunting task in the face of EEHV yet it has been utilized many times and allows the administration of aggressive therapy which is essential in the management of EEHV cases.
Recommended sedation protocols:

Asian calves

  • Detomidine 0.010-0.015mg/kg
  • Butorphanol 0.02-0.5mg/kg
  • Antagonist atipamezole 0.05-0.075mg/kg (ratio 5:1 to detomidine)
  • +/- naltrexone 0.1-2.5mg/kg (ratio 5:1 to butorphanol Optional)

Asian adults (mother or aunt of calf)
Coming Soon

Asian females (3100-3700kg)

  • 10mg detomidine (total dose)
  • 20mg butorphanol (total dose)

Within 15 minutes of injection this results in females that are ambulatory, responsive and eating but they are calm and not bothered by the manipulation of the calf. Reversal has not been given for these animals but if needed then atipamezole 50mg and naltrexone 100mg would be sufficient.

Standing Sedation to Facilitate Treatment of EEHV Hemorrhagic Disease

Lauren L. Howard, DVM, Dipl. ACZM
Associate Veterinarian, Houston Zoo, Inc.

Anesthesia and sedation may seem a daunting task in the face of EEHV yet it has been utilized many times and allows the administration of aggressive therapy, which is essential in the management of EEHV cases.

The following doses have been used for standing sedation in Asian elephant calves. Anesthetic drugs should always be used by an experienced veterinarian with adequate support staff. These are merely guidelines, the attending veterinarian is encouarged to do his or her own reading.

Asian Elephant Calf Standing Sedation:

  • Butorphanol 0.045 – 0.075 mg/kg butorphanol IM – reverse with Naltrexone 2.5 – 5 X Butorphanol dose
  • Detomidine 0.011 – 0.022 mg/kg IM – reverse with Atipamezole 5 X Detomidine dose

In some instances, light sedation of the mother, grandmother or aunt of the calf is required to facilitate treatment of the calf. The following doses have been used in adult female Asian elephants and has resulted in a calming/light sedative effect (still standing but quiet, still eating). No adverse effects were seen. Reversals can be administered as described above but are not always necessary.

Adult Asian Elephant Female Light Sedation:

  • Butorphanol 20 mg (0.006 mg/kg) IM
  • Detomidine 10 mg (0.0026 mg/kg) IM