A preliminary investigation into the immobilising potential of a tiletamine/zolazepam mixture, metomidate, a metomidate and azaperone combination and medetomidine in ostriches (Struthio camelus).

Ostrich chicks (n = 34) were successfully immobilised with intramuscular injections of a tiletamine/zolazepam mixture at dosages of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg kg-1; with metomidate at dosages of 15 and 20 mg kg-1 and with a metomidate/azaperone combination at respectively 20 and 6.6 mg kg-1, and 10 and 3.3 mg kg-1. Unsatisfactory immobilisation with violent body movements and self traumatisation were observed in an adult ostrich after the intramuscular administration of a tiletamine/zolezepam mixture. Anaesthesia was achieved by the administration of metomidate in combination with azaperone. Medetomidine administered at a dosage rate of 0.1 mg kg-1 did not result in immobilisation of ostrich chicks (n = 4). Findings in ostrich chicks should not necessarily be extrapolated to adult birds.