Comparison of Anaesthetic Effects of Ketamine -Xylazine and Ketamine- Diazepam Combination in Budgerigar

Abstract

Twelve healthy budgerigars, weighing 20-30 grams were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 6). Group A received xylazine – ketamine regimen (10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively) and Group B received diazepam – ketamine regimen (2 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg, respectively). The effects of each combination on heart rate, respiratory rate, cloacal temperature, and the foot web pinch response with the time of induction, maintenance and recovery period of anaesthesia were recorded. There were no differences between the induction time and the recovery time in the two groups, but the time of anaesthetic maintenance between them differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Pain reflexes were elicited at all times in half of the birds in group B and all birds of group A. Mean heart rate and respiratory rate decreased sharply and significantly at 30 and 45 minutes, respectively in each group and remained below the baseline value for 180 minutes (P ≤ 0.05). xylazine – ketamine had a significantly lower effect on heart rate and respiratory rate than diazepam – ketamine combination. There was a significant decrease in cloacal temperature in the first 15 minutes post xylazine – ketamine administration. Intramuscular injection of xylazine – ketamine in healthy budgerigars provided a safe and long-lasting anaesthesia with an excellent induction and better recovery period than the diazepam – ketamine administration.