Comparison of the Sedative Effects of Alfaxalone and Butorphanol-Midazolam Administered Intramuscularly in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Intranasal butorphanol and midazolam administered prior to intramuscular alfaxalone provides safe and effective sedation in Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus)

“…26 Alfaxalone has been reported to provide safe, effective sedation for noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures when administered parenterally in avian species. 6,8,[15][16][17] Intramuscular alfaxalone administered as a sole agent produces safe, dosedependent sedation in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), with 5 mg/kg producing sedation without recumbency; 10 mg/kg producing a short duration of sedation effective for brief, minimally invasive procedures; 15 mg/kg producing reliable sedation adequate for the performance of radiographs and venipuncture; and 20 mg/kg producing induction of anesthesia with loss of glottal tone. 6,15,17 Subcutaneous alfaxalone administered as a sole agent allows for radiograph acquisition in black-cheeked lovebirds (Agapornis nigrigenis) at 12.6 mg/kg and produces anesthesia with a dosedependent decrease in induction time and increase in duration of anesthesia in Bengalese finches (Lonchura domestica) at 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg.…”

“…6,8,[15][16][17] Intramuscular alfaxalone administered as a sole agent produces safe, dosedependent sedation in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), with 5 mg/kg producing sedation without recumbency; 10 mg/kg producing a short duration of sedation effective for brief, minimally invasive procedures; 15 mg/kg producing reliable sedation adequate for the performance of radiographs and venipuncture; and 20 mg/kg producing induction of anesthesia with loss of glottal tone. 6,15,17 Subcutaneous alfaxalone administered as a sole agent allows for radiograph acquisition in black-cheeked lovebirds (Agapornis nigrigenis) at 12.6 mg/kg and produces anesthesia with a dosedependent decrease in induction time and increase in duration of anesthesia in Bengalese finches (Lonchura domestica) at 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg. 8,16 Intravenous alfaxalone administered at 2 mg/kg produced shorter, smoother inductions than did isoflurane via facemask and significantly reduced isoflurane requirements during orthopedic surgery in rose flamingoes (Phoenicopterus roseus).…”

“…7 Midazolam, a GABA A receptor agonist, is commonly administered to psittacines due to its sedative and muscle relaxant properties, minimal cardiovascular effects, and ease of reversibility. 15,19 Butorphanol, a κ-agonist and either μ-antagonist or weak μ-agonist drug, is also administered in combination with midazolam as a part of a multimodal anesthetic protocol for psittacines. 15,[19][20][21] The use of multimodal anesthetic and sedative protocols allows for the use of lower doses of all administered drugs, with the goal of attaining the desired sedation or analgesia while producing minimal adverse effects.…”

“…15,19 Butorphanol, a κ-agonist and either μ-antagonist or weak μ-agonist drug, is also administered in combination with midazolam as a part of a multimodal anesthetic protocol for psittacines. 15,[19][20][21] The use of multimodal anesthetic and sedative protocols allows for the use of lower doses of all administered drugs, with the goal of attaining the desired sedation or analgesia while producing minimal adverse effects. 22 The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 2 doses of alfaxalone on basic cardiopulmonary parameters, endotracheal intubation, radiographic positioning, and response to a noxious stimulus in healthy Quaker parrots previously administered intranasal (IN) midazolam and butorphanol.…”

Protocolo anestésico para periquito australiano (<i>Melopsittacus undulatus</i>)

“…El éxito de los procedimientos anestésicos en psitácidos debe incluir el conocimiento de avances en su farmacología y fisiología, así como el conocimiento de las funciones y los parámetros cardiovasculares y respiratorios y las características morfofisiológicas como el tamaño del ave, la especie y edad, al igual que su manejo y susceptibilidad para reducir el estrés (Sabater y Adami 2022). La utilización de la anestesia para realizar el examen físico rutinario en las aves tiene múltiples ventajas en comparación con la contención manual, debido a la reducción del estrés (Escalante et al 2018). Se han descrito diversas combinaciones farmacológicas por vía parenteral para inducir anestesia en Melopsittacus undulatus como la Alfaxalona (15 mg/kg IM) y la combinación de Butorphanol (2,5 mg/kg IM) con Midazolam (1,25 mg/kg IM) (Escalante et al 2018), de lo cual se reportan resultados confiables con adecuada sedación y recuperación sin accidentes anestésicos, logrados con la supervivencia de los ejemplares posanestesia; sin embargo, una de sus principales limitantes es que, una vez administrados los fármacos, estos no podrán removerse del organismo hasta ser metabolizados.…”