Administering analgesia to birds: NSAIDs, opioids and other agents

Abstract

Background: Clinical analgesia in avian species is a relatively data-deficient area of investigation, and it is becoming evident that direct extrapolation of data from one bird species to another may not be appropriate. Aim of the article:This article discusses the different classes of pain relief for avian patients with a focus on recent studies, highlighting any new information where available. The current literature is reviewed to provide background information on choices of analgesia for a range of avian species that may present to the practitioner. Marie Kubiakquali ed from the University of Bristol in 2006. She spent two years as a rst-opinion exotics vet in Kent, before undertaking a three-year European College of Zoological Medicine residency. She has completed the RCVS certi cate in advanced veterinary practice with distinction in the avian, reptile, wildlife and zoo examinations and a credit in small pet mammals, as well as the RCVS diploma in zoological medicine. She gained Specialist status in 2015 and was working predominantly as a zoo vet for the following ve years before returning to private practice, working with both zoo collections and pet exotic animals.