Anaesthesia in Birds

By
K Prabhu
TV/15-65
Need

• Immobilisation
• Analgesia
• Muscle relaxation
• To reduce stress
Avian Vs Mammalian
Anatomical differences

• The avian trachea consists of closed rings and does

not have an epiglottis.
• ET tube is not cuffed because it may result in
pressure necrosis of the tracheal mucosa, fractured
tracheal ring.
• Lack of epiglottis may lead to aspiration.
• The avian lung is connected to the thoracic walls
and is therefore unable to increase its size to any
significant degree. Instead, the air sacs function as
bellows pushing air through the lungs; they do not
participate in gas exchange.
• No Diaphragm
General Considerations for
Anaesthesia

• Reduce the stress

• Physical examination
• Laboratory Evaluation (CBC, PCV and BUN etc.,)
• Diagnostic Evaluation
Pre-anesthetic fasting

• To prevent regurgitation.
• Birds >100 gm - No fasting.
• Large birds : 2 hours
Fluid therapy

• Dose for maintenance fluids is estimated at

50ml/kg/day.
Homeothermy

• Hypothermia due to high surface area to volume

ratio.
• Incubators and Warm air blankets can be used.
 Local Anaesthesia

• Lidocaine Hydrochloride 2% + Adrenaline over 2 Kg

1-3 ml
• Procaine Hydrochloride 2% 1-2 ml/Kg
Inhalant anaesthesia
• Ether & Halothane
• Induction 3 - 4 % Maintenance 1 - 2 %
• Methoxyflurane
• Induction 3 - 4 % Maintenance 1 - 2 %
• Isoflurane
• Induction 3 - 5% Maintenance 0.5 - 2 %
Injectable Anesthetics
Sites for Injection
• Intravenous sites for injection or more
catheterization include the right jugular vein,
brachial vein, or the medial metatarsal vein

Injectable anesthetics are not

recommended for use in companion avian
practice. Unexplained deaths are often asso-
ciated with injectable anesthesia.
Recovery
• Turn off the voporiser
• Transfer to the cage.