Abstract

The effects of graded doses of medetomidine (100, 150, 200 and 250 µg/kg) on hematology as well as physiological and sedative indices were evaluated in this study using domestic pigeons. Sedation ranging from sternal to lateral recumbency, as well as adequate muscle relaxation was observed. The longest sedative effect was observed using the highest dose which was statistically significant (P < 0.05) from the other doses used. The differences in sedative scores between the groups was significant (P < 0.05) when the doses were compared. Significant decrease (P < 0.05) from the baseline values was observed on the physiological parameters, likewise when the physiological parameters between the graded doses were compared. The packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell count (RBC) values show significant increase (P < 0.05) with increase dose, but the white blood cells (WBC) does not show significant changes. This make medetomidine to be a potent sedative agent that can be used successfully for routine surgical and clinical procedures and the doses has to be carefully selected to avoid some of the unwanted effects on the physiological as well as hematological values in pigeons.

Key words: Alpha-2-agonist, graded doses, hematology, pigeons, physiology, sedation.