Evaluation of xylazine for chemical restraint of captive arctic wolves.

Xylazine at dosages of 2.7 to 3.9 mg/kg of body weight was administered to 23 captive arctic wolves. The optimal dosage was higher for excited and socialized adults and lower for juveniles than for unexcited unsocialized adults. Mean time to initial effect was 2.5 minutes and mean time to sternal recumbency was 3.7 minutes. Maximal effect was achieved within 15 minutes, with adequate sedation lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Mean recovery time was longer for old (greater than 7-year-old) adults than for young (2- to 3-year-old) ones (2.4 vs 1.7 hours). Induction of and recovery from barbiturate anesthesia was smooth and quiet. Although a few adverse reactions were found, the use of xylazine with physical restraint was an excellent combination for many clinical procedures.