Evaluation of sedation in quail induced by use of midazolam and reversed by use of flumazenil

Abstract

Objective - To evaluate the sedative properties of 3 dosages of the benzodiazepine tranquilizer midazolam as a means of chemical restraint in quail (Colinus virginianus) and to evaluate the ability of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil to reverse the sedative effects of midazolam. Design - Prospective randomized controlled trial. Animals - Study 1, 30 birds; study 2, 10 birds. Procedure - 2 studies were performed. In the first study, 30 birds were randomly assigned to receive midazolam at a dosage of 2, 4, or 6 mg/kg of body weight (10 birds/dosage). Degree of sedation was evaluated by use of a numerical scale, and the peak time of adequate chemical restraint was determined. The dosage in study 1 that produced the highest degree of sedation was administered to 10 birds in study 2. Flumazenil was administered at a dosage of 0.1 mg/ kg at the peak time of sedation that had been determined in study 1. Results - Administration of 6 mg of midazolam/kg induced the highest degree of chemical restraint without causing alterations in cardiopulmonary function. Peak time of sedation was 10 minutes after administration; however, administration of 4 mg of midazolam/kg also induced a high degree of sedation, but for a shorter period. Administration of flumazenil caused complete recovery from sedation induced with midazolam. Clinical Implications - Administration of midazolam to wild birds induced adequate sedation. Results of the study reported here may be extrapolated to other species of wild birds, including raptors and, possibly, pet birds.