NexGen's MK2™ is a premixed formulation developed to provide veterinarians and wildlife handlers with a field-tested immobilization anesthesia option that can be effectively used to immobilize a broad range of exotic animal species. Medetomidine (10mg/ml) provides superior pain relief and muscle relaxation to other compounds employing alpha 2 adrenergic agonists, with Ketamine HCL (200 mg/ml) supplying an effective paralytic. In combination, the two provide safe, smooth induction times and excellent recovery results.

MK2™ was originally developed by NexGen Pharmaceuticals with the assistance of exotics industry veterinarians and Dennis Smith (Ranch Manager of Schmidt Ranch in Neiderwald, Texas) as a superior solution for anesthetizing larger animals in a more efficient manner. For those who are new to utilizing MK to manage their exotic animals, it is important to understand the level of anesthesia you are administering with Medetomidine/Ketamine sedation. MK is a deep sedation, not to be confused with other sedations that are moderate.

The preferred route for the administration of an immobilizing drug by remote delivery is via intramuscular injection. The aim is to hit the animal in a specifically-selected site, causing injection into vascular tissue and facilitating rapid absorption of the drug. Not all areas of an animal's body are equally well-suited for injection by remote delivery; thus, the injection site should be carefully chosen.

The neck is generally a suitable site for large animals with muscular necks. Care should be taken to avoid hitting the jugular vein, the upper neck and the head. The ideal injection site is the trapezius muscle mass at the upper base of the neck. This injection site is suitable for species such as elk, moose, buffalo, bear, the equids and larger antelopes, rhinoceros, hippopotamus and elephant (if the ears can be avoided). Animals with slender necks, such as gazelle, gerenuk, giraffe and impala should not be darted in this area.

The shoulder is a suitable injection site in many larger species. This region is well-muscled, presenting a flat, perpendicular target. It is surrounded by relatively resilient areas and presents a fair-sized target in animals that are robust enough to be darted with remote delivery equipment.

To prevent the needle from becoming embedded in cartilage, the upper end of the scapula should be avoided. In sensitive species, the sight and smell of a dart in the shoulder may cause panic and flight. Some carnivores will destroy the dart by pulling it out with their teeth. The shoulder is not a suitable injection site for smaller species, due to their lesser size and limited muscle mass.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.