Vet Anaesth Analg. 2026 Mar 20;53(3):101226. doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2026.101226. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the sedative effect of three doses of intranasal midazolam in the tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba).
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized experimental study.
ANIMALS: A group of 30 clinically healthy adult Megascops choliba.
METHODS: Owls were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 10). Each group was administered intranasal midazolam at doses of 2 mg kg-1, 4 mg kg-1, or 6 mg kg-1. Sedation was assessed using a composite numerical rating scale (0-12). Righting reflex and recovery times were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons tests to compare sedation onset, depth, and duration among doses. Data are reported as median (interquartile range). A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Onset time in seconds was significantly faster with 4 mg kg-1 [32.5 (16.2-42.5) seconds] and 6 mg kg-1 [29.5 (21.8-40.2) seconds] compared with 2 mg kg-1 [77.0 (51.0-104.5) seconds; p = 0.010]. Median sedation scores over the observation period were lower in the 2 mg kg-1 group [5.5 (3.7-5.8)] than in the 4 and 6 mg kg-1 groups [7.2 (6.9-7.4) and 8.1 (7.7-8.4), respectively; p < 0.001]. No adverse effects were observed.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intranasal midazolam at 4-6 mg kg-1 produced rapid, effective, and well-tolerated sedation in Megascops choliba, with no observable adverse effects. These findings contribute to optimizing sedative protocols for Strigiformes and support its practical value as a simple and efficient option for use in clinical and field settings.
PMID:41966611 | DOI:10.1016/j.vaa.2026.101226
