Alfaxalone‐nalbuphine‐dexmedetomidine intramuscular premedication in a captive caracal ( Caracal caracal )

Alfaxalone combinations have been widely used in domestic cats as a part of anaesthesia protocols. Given the advantages of these protocols in the domestic cat, and because caracals are in the same family as domesticated cats, we developed an immobilisation protocol based upon alfaxalone, nalbuphine and dexmedetomidine. A captive 13‐year‐old female caracal required general anaesthesia for a lower urinary tract workup and cystoscopy procedure. Due to temperament, physical examination (including thoracic auscultation) and laboratory workup before premedication was not performed. An immobilisation protocol using alfaxalone, nalbuphine and dexmedetomidine was used to induce anaesthesia. Isoflurane in oxygen was used for maintenance of anaesthesia, and hydromorphone was added for analgesia when it was determined that a surgical incision was required. The caracal did well under general anaesthesia, recovered uneventfully and was discharged the same day. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this drug combination in the caracal.