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

Abstract

<strong>Objective-</strong> 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.<br /> <strong>Design- </strong>Experimental study<br /> <strong>Animals- </strong>Twelve male pigeons<br /> <strong>Procedure-</strong> 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.<br /> <strong>Results-</strong> The results of blood biochemistry evaluation in group 1 showed significant changes in the levels of AST and LDH before and after the injections (<em>p</em><0.05). Histopathology results revealed significant changes in liver parameters in both groups. However, these changes were seen more prominent in group 1 (<em>p</em><0.05). Also, none of the drugs of both groups had a negative impact on the kidney tissue (<em>p</em>>0.05).<br /> <strong>Conclusion and clinical relevance-</strong> 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.