Preliminary studies on the use of propofol in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia).

The anaesthetic propofol was investigated in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). The agent was administrated intravenously, in one group of birds as an adjunct to ketamine hydrochloride, and careful monitoring was performed. The dose of 14 mg kg-1 of propofol was based on allometric scaling for its use as a sole agent. Propofol anaesthesia was characterised by smooth rapid induction and good muscle relaxation but was only of short duration, ranging from two to seven minutes, and seemed to cause a marked respiratory depression. Indeed, a very narrow safety margin for propofol was observed in pigeons when ventilation was not assisted. The agent may have applications in avian anaesthesia but these are likely to be limited.