title: Comparative use of various mydriatic drugs in kestrels (Falco tinnunculus).
abstract: The mydriatic effect of 3 curare-like neuromuscular blocking agents was tested in European kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) after topical application. Alcuronium chloride (5 mg/ml) was found to be effective at a dose of 1 drop (20 drops = 1 ml) administered twice at a 15-minute interval. Mydriasis was achieved at t = 26 +/- 11 minutes, maximal effect was reached at t = 60 +/- 39 minutes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 364 +/- 134 minutes. Nevertheless, side effects, including temporary full paralysis in 1 bird, indicated that this drug should not be used. Pancuronium bromide (2 mg/ml) had an inconsistent effect on each bird at a dose of 2 drops administered twice at 15-minute intervals, and total mydriasis was not reached in 5 of 8 birds. Mydriasis was achieved at t = 34 +/- 11 minutes, maximal effect was reduced and reached at t = 43 +/- 13 minutes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 90 +/- 39 minutes. Vecuronium bromide (4 mg/ml) was administered at a dose of 2 drops, 3 times, at 15-minute intervals. Mydriasis was achieved at t = 23 +/- 8 minutes, maximal effect was reached at t = 65 +/- 12 minutes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 253 +/- 65 minutes. Side effects were not detected. Vecuronium bromide should be used in raptorial birds whenever retinal examination requires fundoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Centre de Soins pour Animaux Sauvages, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, France.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mikaelian
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Paillet
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000443:Alcuronium / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001285:Atropine / Q000494:pharmacology; D001717:Birds; D009184:Mydriatics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010197:Pancuronium / Q000494:pharmacology; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects*; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D009184:Mydriatics; D001285:Atropine; D014673:Vecuronium Bromide; D010197:Pancuronium; D000443:Alcuronium