Rovirosa-Hernández M J, García-Orduña F, Caba M, Canales-Espinosa D, Hermida-Lagunes J, Torres-Pelayo V R
Instituto de Neuroetología, Parque de la Flora y Fauna Silvestre Tropical, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, MX, USA.
J Med Primatol. 2011 Oct;40(5):294-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0684.2011.00474.x. Epub 2011 Mar 28.
Ketamine hydrochloride is an anesthetic commonly utilized to obtain biological samples in various non-human primates. Its application alters individual hematologic and biochemical values. The aim of this study was to analyze its effect on blood parameters of Alouatta pigra.
We collected blood samples at 10 and 40 minutes after the application of ketamine in 12 adult female A. pigra living in free-ranging conditions.
The analysis showed that 40 minutes after application of ketamine, the number of platelets, lymphocytes and concentration of phosphorus decreased; however, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, and potassium values increased.
Our results suggest that ketamine appears to have little effect on the hematology and blood biochemistry of Alouatta pigra females with respect to those reported for other non-human primates. It is also important to consider the elapsed time after their application when taking blood samples for proper interpretation of the hemogram of Alouatta pigra females.