Applications and limitations of propofol in psittacine species

摘要

Propofol is a nonbarbituate, intravenous, ultra-short-acting injectable anesthetic agent commonly used in human and small animal anesthesia. Advantages over other agents include rapid inductions, better control of anesthetic depth, and rapid recoveries, making it a potentially useful agent in avian anesthesia. Dosages required to induce and maintain anesthesia have been shown to vary among avian species. In 1 study in psittacine species, cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of propofol were monitored. Inductions were rapid and smooth, but the quality and length of recovery was variable. In most birds, a light plane of anesthesia was obtained. Because of variable effective dosages between individuals of the same species, close monitoring of anesthetic depth and dose adjustment are required when administering anesthesia. Further studies in psittacine species are needed to determine effective dosages, anesthetic effects, and cardiopulmonary effects of propofol.