Evaluation of clinical, histopathological and some biochemical parameters of butorphanol-propofol combination in Japanese Quails

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KIRGIZ Ö., Akçakavak G.

Journal of advances in vetbio science and techniques, cilt.0, sa.1, ss.1-7, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

Safe anesthesia selection in avian species is of paramount importance. In this study, we evaluated the clinical, biochemical, and histopathological effects of butorphanol-propofol (B+P) combination in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) to establish a safe anesthesia protocol. One group was control (n=8); the other was B+P (n=8). The B+P group received an intramuscular injection of 3 mg/kg butorphanol, followed 10 minutes later by 10 mg/kg intravenous propofol. The control group received nothing, and healthy liver and kidney tissues were collected for comparison. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), cloacal temperature (CT), nociceptive and body reflexes were examined. Blood serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and liver and kidney tissues were examined for histopathological analysis. Heart rate and respiratory rate (HR) decreased at 20 minutes and returned to baseline values after 30 minutes. CT gradually decreased but remai- ned within the safe range. Reflex responses were altered, and anesthesia was effective for approximately 20 minutes and wore off after approximately 30-45 minutes. Biochemically, there were significant increases in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), and creatinine (CRE) levels. There were no changes in glucose and BUN levels. Histopathological findings showed hepatocyte degeneration, congestion, and inflammatory infiltration in the liver, and renal tubular epithelial degeneration and desquamation in the kidneys. In conc- lusion, although B+P provides safe short-term anesthesia and effective analgesia in Japanese quail, careful consideration of dosage and duration is necessary in clinical practice due to its impact on clinical, pathological, and biochemical values.