Current Approaches to Avian Anesthesia

Pre-anesthetic evaluation and fasting
History regarding diet, appetite, previous diseases and drug therapy should be col- lected. a complete physical examination should be performed and baseline values recorded. Hydration status is evaluated, recorded and dehydration corrected, if possi- ble, prior to anesthesia. ideally, a complete blood count and biochemical profile are performed prior to anesthesia. pcv may decrease 3-5% during anesthesia due to vas- cular hemodynamic changes associated with certain anesthetic drugs. the type of surgery to be performed and potential for blood loss is assessed and a fluid plan is prepared.

fasting times between 2-4 hrs have been recommended in medium-sized psittacines, whereas birds ≤ 100-200 g are not fasted. Clear fluids high in carbohydrates may be provided to maximize calories and minimize crop and stomach contents. Crop contents may be gently aspirated if needed.

Anesthesia

Mask or chamber induction
Commercially available anesthetic masks can be used in birds or unique masks can be formed from syringe cases, plastic soda bottles or other materials. the mask is as small as possible and the entire head of the patient is placed inside the mask. Commercially available induction chambers sized for mice up to small dogs can be utilized for birds. alternatively, an animal carrier or the front of a hospital cage is sealed with a plastic| bag and inhalant anesthetic administered to large or stressed patients. a chamber just slightly larger than the bird is used. the bird is promptly removed after the righting reflex is lost. the final phase of the induction is accomplished using a mask to facilitate monitoring.