Sedation as an Alternative to General Anesthesia in Pet Birds

Sedation as an alternative to general anesthesia in pet birds

Sedation should be considered in place of general anesthesia in situations where anesthesia is judged to be especially risky or non-essential. Additionally, sedation can be an effective adjunct to physical restraint, a means to reduce stress in hospitalized patients, and potentially a method to reduce patient memory of unpleasant procedures. The author’s focus on the use of sedation in birds is a direct result of the perception of greater anesthetic risk in these patients, especially in those that are stressed, ill, debilitated or in respiratory distress. For some patients, the dangers associated with handling are significant, and must be weighed against the risk of foregoing diagnostic testing or procedures, or the risk of general anesthesia. For these patients, sedation provides an attractive alternative.

Disadvantages of sedation can include incomplete elimination of patient movement, patient semi-awareness, and lack of effective analgesia. Other disadvantages include risks associated with use of the drugs themselves; however these can be mitigated with careful drug selection and dosing, patient selection, and vigilant monitoring. […]