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Field immobilisation of adult Weddell seals using intramuscular butorphanol and midazolam.
Published Web Location
https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.70740No data is associated with this publication.
Abstract
Background
When working with free-ranging phocid seals, methods of chemical immobilisation require ongoing refinement to reduce complications, particularly apnoea, during research procedures.Methods
Adult Weddell seals (n = 20) at Cape Crozier, Antarctica, were chemically immobilised with intramuscular injection of butorphanol and midazolam in 2024 and 2025.Results
Butorphanol and midazolam were administered intramuscularly at 0.16 ± 0.03 and 0.19 ± 0.03 mg/kg, respectively. No apnoea lasting more than 2 minutes was observed, nor were any other adverse effects.Limitations
The sample was limited to 20 adults, predominantly mid-lactation females (n = 14). Additional data on other demographic groups, varying the dose combination, more detailed records of seal vital signs, and additional physiological measurements (e.g., blood gases) would provide valuable insight into this drug combination for Weddell seals.Conclusion
In this limited study, intramuscular butorphanol and midazolam were a safe and effective combination for field immobilisation of adult Weddell seals.Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.