The use of rocuronium in giant Amazon turtle Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines, Podocnemididae)

Purpose: To determine whether rocuronium would provide safe, short-term immobilization in Podocnemis expansa. Methods: Twenty P. expansa, weighing on average 1.59 +/- 0.28 kg, were subjected to two protocols: G1 0.25 mg/kg IM of rocuronium and 0.07 mg/kg IM of neostigmine, while G2 received 0.50 mg/kg IM of rocuronium and 0.07 mg/kg IM of neostigmine. The drugs were applied, respectively, in the left and right thoracic members. Assessments were made of the anesthetic parameters of respiratory frequency, heartbeat, righting reflex, cloacal relaxation, palpebral and pupilar reflexes, easy handling, muscle relaxation, locomotion, response to pain stimuli in the right thoracic members, pelvic members and tail, ambient humidity and temperature. Results: They were not found statistical differences between the dosages for the majority of the assessments. G1 was as efficient as G2. A consistent neuromuscular blockade effect was recorded 12 +/- 4.21 minutes in G1 and G2. All the animals were recovered in 150 minutes. Conclusions: Administration of rocuronium at dose of 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg IM is a safe and effective adjunct to clinical proceedings or pre-anesthetics in P. expansa. Because rocuronium does not provide any analgesic or sedative effects, the duration of neuromuscular blockade without anesthesia should be minimized to avoid undue stress.