High doses of buprenorphine hydrochloride are well tolerated and produce a mild and prolonged thermal antinociceptive effect in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica).

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the duration of action and antinociceptive and sedative effects of buprenorphine hydrochloride following SC administration to orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica).

Methods: 10 adult, healthy Amazon parrots were included. High-concentration buprenorphine formulation (1.8 mg/mL and 0.1, 1, and 2 mg/kg) and saline solution (0.9% NaCl; 0.55 mL/kg) were administered SC to the parrots in a within-subjects, complete, masked crossover study design. Foot withdrawal thermal threshold was determined prior to administration of treatment and 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 6 hours postinjection. Agitation-sedation scores were determined 1 to 2 minutes prior to each thermal challenge.

Results: Buprenorphine at 2 mg/kg significantly increased the thermal foot withdrawal threshold, whereas lower doses evaluated did not have a significant effect. Although no significant interaction effect of treatment*time was observed, the graphical data suggest that the effect could increase over time and still be present at the 6-hour time point. No significant effect of buprenorphine on agitation-sedation score or nausea-like behavior was observed.

Conclusions: SC administration of buprenorphine at 2 mg/kg has a mild thermal antinociceptive effect in orange-winged Amazon parrots, which graphically appears to have a slow onset and last for the duration of the testing times. In addition, buprenorphine did not cause agitation or sedation, nausea-like behavior, or vomiting. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of buprenorphine in psittacines.

Clinical relevance: Buprenorphine hydrochloride could be considered for pain management in the orange-winged Amazon parrot and does not cause significant adverse effects following single SC administration.