Control of Systemic Hypertension During Electro- Ejaculation of the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Using Intravenous Nicardipine Hydrochloride

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a critically endangered species. Artificial insemination, using semen from underrepresented males, is a key factor in maintaining a robust and diverse gene pool. Semen is obtained from the giant panda by electro-ejaculation (EEJ), which causes significant systemic hypertension. While treatment of hypertension by increasing anesthetic depth or administering beta blockers may be successful, they are accompanied by significant unwanted side effects. We describe the successful use of bolus dose intravenous Nicardipine, a calcium channel blocker to control hypertension induced by electro-ejaculation in the male giant panda.