Topics in medicine and surgery
Avian Analgesia

https://doi.org/10.1053/j.saep.2005.09.004Get rights and content

Abstract

Avian pain is likely analogous to pain experienced by most mammals. Approach to pain management for the avian patient involves considering the duration, type, and extent of injury along with physical, environmental, and behavioral management. Invasive, painful procedures should always be accompanied by appropriate analgesia and anesthesia. Although pain management in birds is in its infancy, research and clinical studies demonstrate benefit for use of opioids, steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as other analgesics such as α2-agonists, ketamine, and local anesthetics. Ongoing assessment of pain and analgesic efficacy is extremely important, because the dosage and choice of analgesic may vary widely between species.

Section snippets

Preemptive Analgesia

The provision of analgesia before injury can reduce the intensity of pain. Tissue injury can induce prolonged changes in CNS activity that later influence the responses to subsequent input, which contribute to postoperative pain.9 Nociceptive (pain) stimulation that reaches the spinal cord can produce a state of spinal neuron hyperexcitability known as central sensitization. In mammals, neural changes induced by nociceptive stimulation can be prevented by administration of analgesics before

Analgesic Selection

In mammals, opioids and alpha2-agonists are often chosen for acute pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used to treat inflammatory, chronic pain.4 NSAIDs may also be used effectively for postoperative pain. The duration, severity, and type of injury and quality of pain will direct selection of an appropriate pain-management strategy.

Summary

Pain perception in birds is believed to be analogous to that of mammals. Thus, invasive and painful procedures should always be accompanied by appropriate analgesia and anesthesia. A balanced approach to anesthesia and treating postsurgical or injury pain is not only ethical but also promotes healing, reduces hospitalization times, and provides for greater client satisfaction. Providing appropriate pain relief for birds involves a consideration of the type and severity of pain along with

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