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ALFAXALONE ANESTHESIA IN THE BENGALESE FINCH (LONCHURA DOMESTICA)

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of alfaxalone in a small passerine species. A dose-response trial was conducted whereby 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg alfaxalone was administered subcutaneously (SC) to 10 Bengalese finches (Lonchura domestica) in a randomized complete crossover study design. Subsequently, a similar protocol was used to compare 30 mg/kg alfaxalone alone or combined with either 0.7 mg/kg midazolam or 1 mg/kg butorphanol SC. Induction and recovery times were recorded and depth of anesthesia monitored at 5-min intervals throughout each procedure. Functional oxygen saturation and pulse rates were measured with a pulse oximeter at 15 min after administration of the anesthetic agent(s). Dose-dependent decreases in induction time and prolongation of anesthetic duration were seen with increasing alfaxalone dosage. Alfaxalone combined with midazolam resulted in faster inductions, and the addition of both midazolam and butorphanol resulted in longer durations of anesthesia than alfaxalone alone. The addition of midazolam significantly decreased the pulse rate at 15 min compared with alfaxalone alone. Alfaxalone was found to be an effective agent for inducing anesthesia when administered subcutaneously, and no complications were observed. Increasing the dose, and combining with a benzodiazepine or opioid increased the duration of anesthesia with minimal or no effects on respiratory or pulse rates, within the dose range investigated.