Evaluation of Echocardiographic, Conventional Electrocardiographic, and Holter Variables in Jaguars (Panthera Onca) Anesthetized with Medetomidine and Ketamine: Implications for Management and Conservation

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. Is the heart physiology of jaguars similar to that of cats?

2. Does metedomide and ketamine anesthesia affect sinus and sinoatrial rhythm ?

3. The data of this study are very valuable for the development of wild cat cardiology

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 1,

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the time and effort you dedicated to reviewing our manuscript.

 

Comments 1: Is the heart physiology of jaguars similar to that of cats?

Response 1: The physiology is similar; however, there are still few reports on the pathologies. There is an article describing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a young jaguar (20 months), which is the most important and frequent disease in feline cardiology.

 

Comments 2: Does metedomide and ketamine anesthesia affect sinus and sinoatrial rhythm ?

Response 2: The administration of the drugs (medetomidine and ketamine) induced bradycardia in both domestic cats and jaguars.

 

Comments 3: The data of this study are very valuable for the development of wild cat cardiology

Response 3: We appreciate the encouraging words and the recognition of the value of our work.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The intention of providing an evaluation tool for an animal group at risk based on the use of a rigorous biomedical examination represents an unconventional strategy for the majority of conservation specialists, although the use of an anesthetic combination recognized for its usefulness in felines to achieve this, shows this possibility as a useful resource, at the same time that it allows conservation medicine professionals to have widely documented experience in this regard, which will undoubtedly serve their veterinary use.

Author Response

We sincerely thank you for the encouraging comment and the appreciation of the potential of our work to aid future veterinary practices.

Thank you once again for the encouraging words and for recognizing the positive impact of our study. Your analysis was fundamental in elevating the value and relevance of the manuscript.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The present study is the analysis of cardiovasvular parameters in captive jaguars.  The study in question is relevant with regard to the management and conservation of captive animals.

-Here are my contributions:Abbreviation Table: Modify aVF aVL and aVR to Augmented unipolar limb led left leg, Augmented unipolar limb led left arm, Augmented unipolar limb led right arm 

-include SISBIO used in the study animals 

-Include a photo of the animals with the holter with the location of the electrodes

-There was no statistically significant difference between the four groups, because the number of animals is small, it is questioned if there is a real need to divide into four groups, and the third and fourth groups include males and females (a little meaningless to divide and compare them).

-I think it would be better to have only two groups in relation to gender or two in relation to body weight. The important aspect of the study is the description of the data only because it will be very useful as reference parameters for the use of the anesthetic protocol and its implications for the cardiovascular system in the species.

-would deepen the discussion on the effects of drugs on the cardiovascular system and the changes found. 

-Overall, the study was very well conducted and is an important collaboration for one species.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer 3,

We sincerely thank you for the time and dedication in reviewing our manuscript. Your insightful comments are critical for improving our research and future investigations.

 

Comments 1: Here are my contributions:Abbreviation Table: Modify aVF aVL and aVR to Augmented unipolar limb led left leg, Augmented unipolar limb led left arm, Augmented unipolar limb led right arm 

Response 1: We appreciate the suggestion regarding the abbreviation descriptions and have updated them as recommended.

 

Comments 2: include SISBIO used in the study animals 

Response 2: SISBIO has been included in the Methods Section.

Comments 3: Include a photo of the animals with the holter with the location of the electrodes

Response 3: Photos have been included as requested.

 

Comments 4: There was no statistically significant difference between the four groups, because the number of animals is small, it is questioned if there is a real need to divide into four groups, and the third and fourth groups include males and females (a little meaningless to divide and compare them).

Response 4: We agree that it may seem somewhat unreasonable to divide and compare. However, we believe that the current division still provides useful reference values according to the weight range of the animals.

 

Comments 5: I think it would be better to have only two groups in relation to gender or two in relation to body weight. The important aspect of the study is the description of the data only because it will be very useful as reference parameters for the use of the anesthetic protocol and its implications for the cardiovascular system in the species.

Response 5: We agree with this perspective as well, but we decided to maintain the current division as it may provide a better reference parameter for the values.

 

Comments 6: would deepen the discussion on the effects of drugs on the cardiovascular system and the changes found. 

Response 6: We agree that it would enrich the discussion. However, due to the extensive length of the article, we decided to focus on the cardiac findings, with plans for further in-depth studies on the drug effects by some of the co-authors.

 

Comments 7: Overall, the study was very well conducted and is an important collaboration for one species.

Response 7: 

Thank you once again for your considerations and the time dedicated!

Your feedback significantly enhanced the quality and presentation of our manuscript. We remain available for further inquiries or necessary adjustments.