Efficacy and adverse effects of three delivery methods for aerosolized salbutamol in anesthetized European moose (Alces alces alces): A case series (2026)

Morelli, J., Hoby, S., Heiderich, E. et al.

Abstract

Wild and captive European moose (Alces alces alces) are routinely anesthetized with drug combinations including alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, dissociative anesthetics, and opioids. Reportedly, severe respiratory depression, ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, and hypoxemia are common complications in this species, requiring perianesthetic oxygen supplementation as key treatment, athough high flow rates can exacerbate respiratory acidosis. Salbutamol is a β2-adrenoceptor agonist effective in alleviating V/Q mismatch and hypoxemia in anesthetized horses when administered via endotracheal tube. Administration of salbutamol could elicit similar effects in anesthetized moose, improving animal welfare and perhaps reducing or replacing the supplemental oxygen requirements.