Safety and efficacy of unilateral topical application of rocuronium bromide in healthy scops owls (Otus scops)

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of unilateral topical application of rocuronium bromide in scops owls. Animals studied Ten healthy adult scops owls. Procedures Birds weighting between 82‐111 g were enrolled. Complete physical and ophthalmic examinations were performed. Each animal received a single dose of 0.15 mg of rocuronium bromide (30 µL) in a randomly selected eye. Static pupillometric evaluations were performed before and after drug instillation at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, in a room with fixed light intensity. Physical and ophthalmic examinations were carried out to evaluate possible adverse effects. Results Median pupil (95% CI) size at t0 was 7.10 mm (5.51‐7.41) for placebo eyes and 7.22 mm (6.93‐7.48) for treated eyes, showing no statistical differences (P > .05). When compared to the placebo eye, significant mydriasis was achieved at t30 [8.18 mm (7.22‐9.00)] (P = .014) and lasting until t90 [7.35 mm (6.20‐9.52)] (P = .004). Maximal mydriasis was obtained at t60 [8.63 mm (7.72‐9.81)] (P = .001). During this period, the treated eye no longer responded to direct light stimulation. Complete mydriasis was observed in 5/10 birds (mean weight 97.4 g). Pupil size at t90 and t120 did not differ from baseline (P > .05) in treated eyes. No adverse effects were seen during the study period. Conclusion Single‐dose topical rocuronium bromide (0.15 mg) is a safe and effective medium duration mydriatic agent in scops owls. Further studies are needed to evaluate bilateral topical application and standardize the mydriatic protocol.

Use of a Smartphone-Based Device for Fundus Examination in Birds: A Pilot Study

“…Fundus evaluation usually relies on optimal pupillary dilation to observe the posterior segment. Rocuronium bromide has been shown to induce mydriasis in several bird species, including pigeons ( Columbia livia ), common buzzards ( Buteo buteo ), scops owls ( Otus scops ), little owls ( Athene noctuae ), tawny owls ( Strix aluco ), and European kestrels ( Falco tinninculus ) [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 13 , 14 ]. In this study, the effectiveness of dilation was assessed by observing the pupil’s residual capacity to contract.…”

“…As the same vial was used in this experiment, there is no possibility of an altered formulation, although some birds responded positively to the application. The examinations were carried out between 45 and 60 min after the application of rocuronium because dilation of the pupil was reported at the end of this period in the species studied [ 8 , 9 , 13 , 14 ]. However, pupillary dilation was not necessarily maximal in all individuals.…”

“…Moreover, a reliable examination of the fundus traditionally requires specialized equipment operated by experienced veterinarians or veterinary ophthalmologists, who are rarely present on site. Classically, fundus examination in birds is performed using direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy techniques after inducing mydriasis with a neuromuscular blocker, such as rocuronium bromide [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Recent technological developments have enabled the design of small, affordable biomedical imaging devices [ 15 ].…”

Medical Management versus PACK-CXL in Dogs with Infectious Keratitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

“…Based on this study design, a cause-and-effect relationship between an intervention and disease outcome can be established [ 44 ]. According to a literature search (all publication abstracts and titles were screened), five randomized controlled trials [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ] were published in the Journal of Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2021, out of 80 clinical studies (short reports and reviews were excluded). Information regarding study design, such as sample size calculation or masking, was missing in some publications.…”

Bilateral Non-Reactive Fixed and Dilated Pupils Caused by Rocuronium and Successfully Reversed with Sugammadex: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Regarding the literature, it was reported that rocuronium might cause voluntary mydriasis after local application to the eye in animals. 6 It was reported that mydriasis might occur particularly in newborns with immature blood-brain barrier (BBB), in patients with disrupted BBB caused by infection and certain treatments, or after the administration of high dose rocuronium. 7 Regarding the literature, nonreactive and dilated pupils were first reported in 2000, who received muscle relaxant infusion over 3 days.…”