Histopathological and Serum Enzyme Changes of Propofol Combined with Pre-Anesthetic Agents in Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia)

Because of the several differences between avian and mammalian physiology and anatomy, avian anesthesia requires to be more attentive. The aim of this study was to determine a safe injectable anesthetic agent that had more compatibility with the avian features.

Experimental study Animals- Twelve male pigeons Procedure- The pigeons weighing 302±35 g (mean±SD) were divided into two groups (n=6). In group 1, midazolam (6 mg/kg,-IM) and in group 2, metamizole (500 mg/kg,-IM) were administrated as the pre-anesthetic agents and thereafter, propofol (8 mg/kg,-IV) was injected as the main anesthetic drug in both groups. The serum enzymatic changes were analyzed before and 1 hour after the last injection. Histopathological examinations of the liver and kidneys were also evaluated in terms of possible damages to the tissue. Results- The results of blood biochemistry evaluation in group 1 showed significant changes in the levels of AST and LDH before and after the injections (p<0.05). Histopathology results revealed significant changes in liver parameters in both groups. However, these changes were seen more prominent in group 1 (p<0.05). Also, none of the drugs of both groups had a negative impact on the kidney tissue (p>0.05).

  Based on the results, metamizole and propofol combination showed that is safer than midazolam and propofol in terms of blood biochemical and histopathological evaluations and is more compatible with pigeons.