Phenobarbital toxicosis in a pied butcherbird, Cracticus nigrogularis

Abstract

A wild, adult male pied butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) accidentally ingested 263 mg/kg of oral phenobarbital. Pronounced sedation was observed by 30 mins, followed by altered consciousness, marked ataxia and increased respiratory effort. The serum phenobarbital level on admission to a wildlife hospital was 84.3 μg/mL; this declined to 29.3 μg/mL at 24 h and 1.7 μg/mL at 48 h (indicative of a phenobarbital serum half-life of approximately 24 h). Supportive treatment with activated charcoal, and nutritional and fluid support led to a full recovery over 5 days. The bird was successfully released.