A safe method for repeatedly immobilizing seals.

Abstract

Phocid seals were immobilized safely and repeatedly, using a combination of ketamine and diazepam at mean IM or IV dosages of 1.5 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. Induction and recovery were smoother than with ketamine used alone. Experimentally induced pneumonia did not alter the effects of the drugs, thus attesting to the safety of the ketamine-diazepam combination.