Sedative Effects of Medetomidine in Pigeons (Columba livia)

The sedative effects of medetomidine administered alone or in combination with ketamine or midazolam were evaluated in 20 adult pigeons (Columba livia). Six to 12 pigeons were randomly assigned to each of 5 treatment groups. Medetomidine administered alone (80, 150, or 200 μg/kg IM) caused effects ranging from ataxia to sternal recumbency, but the righting reflex was always retained. The level of sedation resulting from medetomidine (80 μg/kg IM) in combination with either ketamine (5 mg/kg IM) or midazolam (0.5 mg/kg IM) was variable; birds exhibited signs ranging from mild to heavy sedation. Heavy sedation was defined as loss of the righting reflex and profound muscle relaxation. Medetomidine-ketamine resulted in heavy sedation in 3 of 9 birds, whereas 5 of 12 birds were heavily sedated with medetomidine-midazolam. Atipamizole (0.5 mg/kg IM) was administered to reverse the effects of medetomidine. The length of time (mean ± SD) from atipamizole injection until loss of ataxia and return of full ...