The short‐acting muscle relaxant suxethonium (bis‐ethyl succinylcholine chloride) has been used successfully to immobilize a number of domestic and zoo animals. It has been compared with suxamethonium, and acute experiments were carried out to provide information on its mode of action at the neuromuscular junction in ruminants. The species for which an appropriate dosage to produce immobilization has been found are: sheep, goat, dog, pig, red deer, Formosan deer, and collared peccary. A simple field respirator is described for the emergency resuscitation of animals. The problems relating to the use of this type of drug are discus