MVSc

The present study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of (1) xylazine, (ii) ketamine hydrochloride and (iii) xylazine followed by ketamine hydrochloride, for anaesthetizing pigeons and quails, The study was conducted in 30 pigeons (Columba livia) weighing 120-260 g and 30 quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) weighing 120-180 g. The birds were divided into two groups, Group I (30 pigeons) and Group II (30 quails). Group I and II were further divided into three sub-groups, viz, A, B and C, each consisting of 10 birds.

The drugs were administered intraperitoneally in all the sub- groups at the rate of (i) Xylazine 10 mg per kg bodyweight in sub-group A, (ii) ketamine hydrochloride 150 mg per kg body weight in sub-group B and (iii) xylazine 5.0 mg per kg bodyweight followed by ketamine hydrochloride 75mg per kg bodyweight in sub – group C.

During the onset of anaesthesia, loss of balance, ruffled feathers, sitting posture, recumbency abolition/sluggishness of pedal reflex were observed in Groups I and II. In addition dropping of wings was noticed in subgroup II A, torticollis and loss of righting reflex in subgroup I B and IIB, fluttering and dropping of wings, and dropping of beak in sub-group I B, dropping of wings, tortocollis, loss of righting reflex in subgroup I C and II C and fluttering of wings and dropping of beak in subgroup II C.

Corneal reflex, palpebral reflex and third eyelid movement peristed during anaesthesia. Eyes remained closed in both pigeons and quails during anaesthesia.

The time for induction was 12.70 + 0.40 min., 7.60 + 0.42 min. and 6.80 + 0.34 min in subgroup A, B and C respectively in pigeons and 13.10 + 0.43 min, 5.50 + 0.15 min and 8.30 + 0.31 min in subgroups A, B and C respectively in quails.

The duration of anaesthesia was 47.70 + 1.54 min 37.80 + 2.88 min and 62.00 + 1.15 min in subgroups A, B and C respectively in pigeons and 80.40 + 1.96 min, 99.90 + 2.86 min and 202.50 + 7.62 min in sub groups A, B and C respectively in quails.

The duration of recovery was 164.80 + 2.82 min 87.70 + 2.98 min and 85.10 + 2.72 min in subgroups A,B and C respectively in pigeons and 99.90 + 5.70 min 97.50 + 4.66 min and 73.80 + 3.19 min in subgroups A, B and C respectively in quails.

Significant reduction in the temperature was observed during anaesthesia in all the subgroups. Respiration rate showed significant decrease during anaesthesia in all the three subgroups in pigeons and sub-groups A and C in quails whereas no significant reduction in respiration rate was observed with ketamine hydrochloride in quails upto 135 min. However, significant increase was noticed at 150 min and the third hour.

Significant decrease in the total erythrocyte count was observed in all the subgroups except in sub-group I A, wherein no significant variation in the count was noticed.

Significant decrease in the total leukocyte was observed in all the subgroups except subgroup II A where no significant variation in the count was observed.

Significant reduction in the lymphocyte count was observed in all the subgroups. Significant increase in the heterophil count was observed in sub-groups IC, IIA, IIB and IIC but there was significant decrease in sub-group I B, and there was no significant variation in subgroups I A. Significant increase in the eosinophil count was seen in all the subgroups.

The haemoglobin content was significantly reduced in groups I and II.


Incising and suturing the skin and the wall of the crop did not evince any response but slight body movement was observed in subgroup II A.

Mild fatty changes in the liver and congestion on the surface of the kidneys were observed in all the birds of both the groups.