Comparison of two injectable anaesthetic protocols in Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) undergoing gonadectomy

Egyptian fruit bats have gained increasing interest being a natural reservoir for emerging zoonotic viruses. Anaesthesia is often required to allow safe handling of bats. We aimed to compare the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of two balanced anaesthetic protocols in bats undergoing gonadectomy. Group DK (n = 10) received intramuscular dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg) and ketamine (7 mg/kg), whereas group DBM (n = 10) received intramuscular dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg), butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.3 mg/kg). Induction time and cardiopulmonary parameters were recorded. If anaesthetic plan was inadequate, isoflurane was titrated-to-effect. At the end of surgery venous blood gas analysis was performed and atipamezole or atipamezole-flumazenil was administered for timed and scored recovery. In DBM group heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation were significantly higher (p = 0.001; p = 0.003 respectively), while respiratory rate was significantly lower (p = 0.001). All bats required isoflurane supplementation with no significant differences between groups. Induction and recovery times showed no significant differences. In group DK a better recovery was scored (p = 0.034). Sodium and chloride were significantly higher in DBM group (p = 0.001; p = 0.002 respectively). Both anaesthetic protocols were comparable and can be recommended for minor procedures in bats.