Immobilisation of Crabeater Seals, Lobodon Carcinophagus, With Ketamine and Diazepam.

Abstract

The anaesthetic ketamine hydrochloride and the tranquilizer diazepam (valium) were used to immobilize ten wild adult crabeater seals for studies of breeding biology and lactation carried out on pack-ice off the coast of Enderby Land, Antarctica, in the spring of 1985. In seventeen trials dose rates averaged 6.0 mg/kg ketamine and 0.2 mg/kg diazepam. Repeat treatments were 4-7 days apart. Time to handling was 20-40 min. Muscle tremors were alleviated with diazepam. One animal died after receiving low doses and showing signs of recovery. The suspected cause of death was asphyxiation caused by frozen exhalations on a canvas bag held over its head. No other adverse reactions were observed.