Radiodensidade pulmonar com efeito da dexmedetomidna em iguanas verdes

Abstract

Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are widespread as exotic pets and often require veterinary care to adopt prophylactic and/or therapeutic measures. The aim of this study was to perform non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography exams in the coelomic cavity in green iguanas to assess the feasibility of performing it without chemical restraint and with the use of dexmetedomidine. For this, 10 free-living iguanas were used and the tomography exams were performed in two moments, first with the iguanas contained in plastic boxes or with the use of tethers and then in the same iguanas, dexmetedomidine was administered intramuscularly at a dose of 0 .1 mg/kg. In all iguanas it was possible to perform the computed tomography exam without significant movement artifacts. The protocol with dexmetedomidine facilitated the manipulation and positioning of the iguanas for the examination, but it promoted an increase in pulmonary radiodensity, possibly associated with respiratory depression. The use of the atipamazole reverser promoted fast action, minimizing the time of action of dexmetedomidine. It is suggested that the chemical containment protocol with dexmethedomidine and the use of the reverser is an efficient and safe protocol in cases where chemical containment is necessary in this species.