Restraint of the paca (Agouti paca) with ketamine hydrochloride, acetylpromazine maleate, and atropine sulfate.

The paca (Agouti pace) is a neotropical rodent that requires chemical restraint for handling due to its aggressive nature and susceptibility to stress. Eighteen adult pacas (seven males and 11 females) weighing 6.25+/-2.22 (mean +/- SD) kg were given ketamine hydrochloride (25.0 mg/kg), acetylpromazine maleate (0.125 mg/kg), and atropine sulfate (0.05 mg/kg) combined by i.m. injection during field procedures that included sexing, marking, translocations, physical examinations, and minor surgeries. In all individuals, the induction of anesthesia was rapid and uneventful. Righting reflexes were abolished after 5.95+/-3.56 min, and all animals ceased to react to manipulation after 9.55+/-3.48 min. Response to interdigital and pinnal painful stimuli disappeared after 10.67+/-3.46 min and 11.11+/-3.83 min. respectively. Analgesia and depth of anesthesia were excellent in 61.0% of the animals and good in 39.0%. Muscle relaxation was excellent in 77.8% and good in 22.2%. Duration of anesthesia was 57.33+/-31.10 min. Recovery occurred without psychomotor disturbances, and every animal remained calm until normal ambulation resumed 115.00+/-37.00 min postinjection. The anesthetic protocol was safe for both the animal and the human personnel and is recommended for routine management and medical procedures, including minor surgeries, in A. paca.