Valoración del estrés de captura, transporte y manejo en el corzo (Capreolus capreolus) : efecto de la acepromacina y de la cautividad /

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la respuesta de estrés de captura, manejo y transporte en el corzo (Capreolus capreolus) y sus posibles consecuencias, valorar el efecto de un neuroléptico fenotiacínico de corta duración (acepromacina) sobre dicha respuesta, establecer posibles diferencias en la respuesta de estrés agudo entre corzos salvajes y cautivos, y evaluar la idoneidad de la determinación de metabolitos del cortisol en heces como método no agresivo para medir la actividad adrenocortical en el corzo. Los corzos se capturaron mediante redes verticales y a continuación se inmovilizaron durante tres horas (estudio del estrés de captura en corzos salvajes -Capítulo 4- y estudio de las diferencias en la respuesta de estrés agudo entre corzos salvajes y cautivos -Capítulo 5-), o bien se sometieron a un transporte por carretera de nueve horas de duración (estudio del estrés de transporte -Capítulo 6-). En todos los casos se establecieron dos grupos: un grupo tratamiento, que recibió acepromacina intramuscular, y un grupo control, que recibió suero salino fisiológico intramuscular. Durante el periodo de estudio se registraron la frecuencia cardiaca y la temperatura rectal mediante técnicas telemétricas no agresivas y se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas mediante punción venosa (para realizar el hemograma y las determinaciones bioquímicas) y muestras de heces (para la determinación de metabolitos del cortisol -Capítulo 7-). Además, a raíz de un estudio de adaptación del corzo a la cautividad, se produjeron tres casos de miopatía de captura 'retardada aguda' (Capítulo 8) y un caso de fractura múltiple de las apófisis transversas de las vértebras lumbares (Capítulo 9). La respuesta de estrés agudo (captura, inmovilización y transporte) se caracterizó por un aumento de la frecuencia cardiaca, de la temperatura rectal, del recuento de eritrocitos, de la concentración de hemoglobina, del valor hematocrito, del recuento de leucocitos y de neutrófilos, de la actividad sérica de las enzimas musculares (alanina aminotransferasa [ALT], aspartato aminotransferasa [AST], creatina cinasa [CK] y lactato deshidrogenasa [LDH]) y de la concentración sérica de urea, creatinina, lactato, potasio y cloruros; y por una disminución del recuento de linfocitos. En los corzos cautivos, la respuesta de estrés agudo dio lugar a un mayor recuento de eritrocitos, a una mayor concentración de hemoglobina, a una mayor actividad sérica de ALT, AST, CK y LDH, y a una mayor concentración sérica de creatinina, lactato y glucosa que en los corzos salvajes. Estas diferencias pueden atribuirse a diferencias en la dieta, al efecto del 'entrenamiento' (condición física) y/o a una sensibilización de los ejes simpático-adrenomedular e hipotálamo-hipofisario-adrenocortical provocada por el estrés crónico asociado a la cautividad (los corzos cautivos presentaron una concentración fecal de metabolitos del cortisol [11,17-dioxoandrostanos] superior a la de los corzos salvajes). Por otro lado, el transporte constituyó un estímulo más amenazante para los corzos que la inmovilización, como demostraron el incremento de la frecuencia cardiaca, el mayor tiempo necesario para que la temperatura rectal regresara a los niveles 'basales' y el incremento de la concentración sérica de cloruros a lo largo del transporte. En los corzos inmovilizados, el tratamiento con acepromacina hizo que la frecuencia cardiaca se estabilizara antes y provocó una reducción a lo largo del tiempo en el recuento de eritrocitos y en la concentración de hemoglobina. Además, la acepromacina aceleró la disminución de la concentración sérica de lactato e hizo que la concentración sérica de creatinina no aumentara. Los animales tratados también presentaron niveles más bajos en el valor hematocrito y en la actividad sérica de la ALT, la AST, la CK y la LDH en comparación con los controles. Además, la acepromacina ejerció un efecto más marcado en los corzos cautivos que en los salvajes. La frecuencia cardiaca, la actividad sérica de las enzimas musculares, y la concentración sérica de creatinina, glucosa y potasio mostraron diferencias entre grupos de tratamiento en los corzos cautivos, mientras que éstas no se observaron en los salvajes (cuando se comparaban los grupos cautivos y salvajes). En los corzos transportados por carretera, el tratamiento con acepromacina hizo que la temperatura rectal regresara antes a los niveles 'basales', provocó una disminución de la concentración sérica de creatinina y previno el aumento de la actividad sérica de la ALT, la AST y la CK. En todos los corzos tratados (inmovilizados + transportados), el recuento de eritrocitos y la concentración de hemoglobina fueron inferiores que en los controles, y la concentración sérica de potasio no disminuyó, o lo hizo más lentamente. Sin embargo, en ningún caso se observaron diferencias significativas en la concentración sérica de cortisol entre grupos de tratamiento. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la administración de acepromacina puede prevenir el desarrollo de una miopatía de captura en operaciones de captura, inmovilización física y transporte.The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress response to capture, handling and transport in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and its consequences, evaluate the effect of a short-acting phenotiazine (acepromazine) on the stress response, investigate the differences in the acute stress response between free-ranging and captive roe deer, and evaluate the usefulness of measuring faecal cortisol metabolites as a non-invasive method to measure adrenocortical activity in roe deer. Roe deer were captured by means of drive-nets and then restrained for three hours (capture stress in free-ranging roe deer -Chapter 4- and differences in the acute stress response between captive and free-ranging roe deer -Chapter 5-), or transported over a 9-hour road journey (study of transport stress -Chapter 6-). In every case, two groups were established: a treatment group, which received acepromazine intramuscularly, and a control group, which received saline also intramuscularly. During the study period heart rate and body temperature were registered telemetrically, and blood samples from the jugular vein (for haematological and biochemical purposes) and faecal samples (for measuring faecal cortisol metabolites -Chapter 7-) were collected. Furthermore, three cases of 'delayed acute' capture myopathy (Chapter 8) and one case of multiple bilateral fractures of the lumbar transverse processes in roe deer were reported (Chapter 9). The acute stress response was characterised by increases in heart rate, body temperature, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), leukocyte and neutrophil counts, serum muscle enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase [CK] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), and serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, lactate, potassium and chloride; and also by a decrease in lymphocyte count. In captive roe deer, the acute stress response caused higher RBC counts, haemoglobin concentrations, and serum ALT, AST, CK and LDH activities than in free-ranging roe deer. These differences may be attributed to differences in diet and physical condition, and/or to a sensitisation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex and the sympathetic-adrenal medullary axes caused by captivity-induced chronic stress (captive roe deer showed higher faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations [11,17-dioxoandrostanes] than free-ranging roe deer). On the other hand, transport constituted a more stressful event than physical restraint for roe deer, as demonstrated by the increase in heart rate and chloride concentrations, and the delay in stabilisation of body temperature over transportation. In restrained roe deer, acepromazine accelerated stabilisation of heart rate and caused a reduction in RBC count and haemoglobin concentrations over time. Moreover, acepromazine accelerated the decrease in serum lactate concentrations and maintained serum creatinine invariable. The treated animals also showed lower PCV and serum ALT, AST, CK and LDH activities than controls. Acepromazine also exerted a more marked effect in captive roe deer than in free-ranging ones. Heart rate, serum muscle enzyme activities, and serum creatinine, glucose and potassium concentrations showed statistical differences between treatment groups in captive roe deer, whereas they were not observed in the free-ranging ones (when free-ranging and captive groups were compared). In transported roe deer, acepromazine accelerated stabilisation of body temperature, decreased serum creatinine concentrations and prevented the increase in serum ALT, AST and CK activities. In all treated roe deer (those restrained and those transported), RBC counts and haemoglobin concentrations were lower than in controls, and serum potassium concentrations did not decrease, or decreased more slowly. However, no differences were observed in serum cortisol concentrations between treatment groups. The results obtained in this study suggest that acepromazine may prevent the development of capture myopathy in capture, handling and transport operations

Delayed Acute Capture Myopathy in Three Roe Deer

Delayed acute capture myopathy is the term used to describe the clinical syndrome observed in three roe deer captured by drive-nets and transported to an enclosure for scientific purposes. The animals died 48 h, 60 h and 8 days after being captured. The simultaneous deaths coincided with a previous episode of deliberate human disturbance. The histopathological findings were indicative of acute myopathy and myoglobinaemic nephrosis. These could be related to an ataxic myoglobinuric syndrome brought on by capture and transport operations. The lack of clinical signs and negative prognosis indicators in the period between capture and just before death. the absence of gross muscular lesions in the animal that died after 8 days post-capture, the simultaneous deaths of animals captured at different times and the evidence of deliberate human disturbance in the enclosure are suggestive of death triggered by a second stress episode

Effects of acepromazine on capture stress in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of a short-acting neuroleptic (acepromazine) on capture stress response in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Sixteen roe deer were captured by drive-nets in the winters of 1998, 1999, and 2001. Roe deer were divided into two groups: animals in the treatment group received an intramuscular injection of acepromazine (0.093 mg/kg +/- 0.003 SEM; n = 8) while animals in the control group (n = 8) did not receive tranquilizer. Heart rate and body temperature, as well as hematologic and biochemical indicators of stress, were used to evaluate effect of the neuroleptic over 3 hr. Heart rate decreased over time after capture in both groups (P < 0.05), but stabilized sooner in the treated roe deer (75 min after capture) than in the controls (105 min after capture). Body temperature decreased over 45 min and then stabilized in both groups (P < 0.05). Comparisons of blood parameters revealed significantly lower red blood cell count (RBC), lymphocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in tranquilized animals compared with controls (at least P < 0.05). A reduction in PCV, lymphocyte count, and serum cortisol concentrations (at least P < 0.05) and an increase in serum creatinine levels (P < 0.05) were recorded over time in control animals, while a reduction in RBC and hemoglobin concentration (at least P < 0.05) and an increase in serum urea concentrations (P < 0.05) over time were observed in the treated group. Finally, a decrease in serum lactate and potassium levels and an increase in CK, AST, ALT, and LDH activities were recorded over time in both groups. Results obtained showed the suitability of using acepromazine in capture operations in order to reduce stress response and prevent its adverse effects in roe deer. The beneficial effect was not only due to the sedative effect of acepromazine, but also to peripheral vasodilatation

Effect of venipuncture site on hematologic and serum biochemical parameters in marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata)

Blood samples were obtained from the dorsal coccygeal vein and the brachial vein of five adult (four females and one male) and two subadult males of marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata) and hematologic and biochemical parameters were compared. Significant differences were found for red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, total proteins, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus, which were greater in the brachial vein samples. Hemodilution due to lymph was observed when collecting blood from the dorsal coccygeal vein, and it is thought to be the cause of the differences found. This research documented that the brachial vein is a more reliable and consistent venipuncture site than dorsal coccygeal vein in marginated tortoise

Effects of acepromazine on the stress response in Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) captured by means of drive-nets

This study was conducted to assess the stress response of Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) to capture and physical restraint and the effects of acepromazine (a short-acting neuroleptic) on this response. Forty free-ranging Southern chamois were captured, injected intramuscularly with acepromazine (19 animals, randomly selected) or saline (the other 21 animals), and physically restrained for 3 h. Heart rate and body temperature were monitored with telemetric devices, and blood samples were obtained at capture and every hour thereafter to determine hematologic and serum biochemical parameters. The lower heart-rate variability, temperature, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and serum creatine kinase activity in the animals treated with acepromazine indicated that this agent reduced the adverse effects of stress. According to the differences in heart rate, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, PCV, lymphocyte count, and serum concentrations of glucose, creatinine, chloride, and potassium, a-adrenergic stimulation by catecholamines seemed to be stronger in females, whereas the adrenal-cortex reaction seemed to be stronger in males. The differences in erythrocyte parameters, temperature, serum creatine kinase activity, and serum concentrations of potassium and chloride indicated that acepromazine's beneficial effects were greater in females

L'acepromazina disminueix l'estrès del cabirol en ser capturat

Un grup d'investigadors de la Facultat de Veterinària va administrar un tranquil·litzant de curta durada, l'acepromazina, a un grup de cabirols capturats durant els hiverns de 1998, 1999 y 2001. Els cabirols sedats van mostrar símptomes de patir menys estrès que el grup de control, que no va rebre cap medicació

Delayed Acute Capture Myopathy in Three Roe Deer

Delayed acute capture myopathy is the term used to describe the clinical syndrome observed in three roe deer captured by drive-nets and transported to an enclosure for scientific purposes. The animals died 48 h, 60 h and 8 days after being captured. The simultaneous deaths coincided with a previous episode of deliberate human disturbance. The histopathological findings were indicative of acute myopathy and myoglobinaemic nephrosis. These could be related to an ataxic myoglobinuric syndrome brought on by capture and transport operations. The lack of clinical signs and negative prognosis indicators in the period between capture and just before death. the absence of gross muscular lesions in the animal that died after 8 days post-capture, the simultaneous deaths of animals captured at different times and the evidence of deliberate human disturbance in the enclosure are suggestive of death triggered by a second stress episode

Effects of acepromazine on capture stress in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of a short-acting neuroleptic (acepromazine) on capture stress response in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Sixteen roe deer were captured by drive-nets in the winters of 1998, 1999, and 2001. Roe deer were divided into two groups: animals in the treatment group received an intramuscular injection of acepromazine (0.093 mg/kg +/- 0.003 SEM; n = 8) while animals in the control group (n = 8) did not receive tranquilizer. Heart rate and body temperature, as well as hematologic and biochemical indicators of stress, were used to evaluate effect of the neuroleptic over 3 hr. Heart rate decreased over time after capture in both groups (P < 0.05), but stabilized sooner in the treated roe deer (75 min after capture) than in the controls (105 min after capture). Body temperature decreased over 45 min and then stabilized in both groups (P < 0.05). Comparisons of blood parameters revealed significantly lower red blood cell count (RBC), lymphocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in tranquilized animals compared with controls (at least P < 0.05). A reduction in PCV, lymphocyte count, and serum cortisol concentrations (at least P < 0.05) and an increase in serum creatinine levels (P < 0.05) were recorded over time in control animals, while a reduction in RBC and hemoglobin concentration (at least P < 0.05) and an increase in serum urea concentrations (P < 0.05) over time were observed in the treated group. Finally, a decrease in serum lactate and potassium levels and an increase in CK, AST, ALT, and LDH activities were recorded over time in both groups. Results obtained showed the suitability of using acepromazine in capture operations in order to reduce stress response and prevent its adverse effects in roe deer. The beneficial effect was not only due to the sedative effect of acepromazine, but also to peripheral vasodilatation

Effect of venipuncture site on hematologic and serum biochemical parameters in marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata)

Blood samples were obtained from the dorsal coccygeal vein and the brachial vein of five adult (four females and one male) and two subadult males of marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata) and hematologic and biochemical parameters were compared. Significant differences were found for red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, total proteins, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus, which were greater in the brachial vein samples. Hemodilution due to lymph was observed when collecting blood from the dorsal coccygeal vein, and it is thought to be the cause of the differences found. This research documented that the brachial vein is a more reliable and consistent venipuncture site than dorsal coccygeal vein in marginated tortoise