Semester of Graduation

Summer 2026

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Veterinary Medical Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Psittacine species are common companion animals maintained in households around the world. The USA has more than 2.1 million households that own a bird. Medical procedures during which avian patients require analgesia and anesthesia are commonly performed in veterinary hospitals. Continuing to research ways to improve the level of care provided to these anesthetized patients is critical.

The research presented in this thesis reports the pharmacokinetics (PK) of an extended-release lipid buprenorphine (ER-B) formulation and its effects on body temperature (BT) in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) (HAP), as a possible alternative to provide prolonged analgesia. Additionally, this thesis also presents the evaluation of a new heated anesthesia circuit and different types of thermometry to better manage and identify perianesthetic hypothermia.

Pharmacokinetics from 15 parrots were obtained. ER-B administered at 2mg/kg SC, was rapidly absorbed with a tmax of 2.1h and maintained targeted plasma concentration (>1ng/mL) for at least 48h with a significant decrease in BT at 3h, ER-B 39.7±0.3°C (103.4 ± 0.6°F), CTRL 40.7±0.3 °C (105.3±0.6°F), mean difference -1.06°C (1.9°F); 95% CI -1.97 to -0.1°C (-3.56 to -0.20°F) and 6h ER-B 39.7±0.3°C (103.4 ± 0.6°F), CTRL 40.9±0.3°C (105.6±0.6°F), mean difference -1.2°C (-2.2°F); 95% CI -2.16 to -0.3°C (-3.88 to -0.52°F) post administration. No pharmacodynamic evaluation was performed, so further research is still required to confirm its analgesic effects at the identified plasma concentration at the dose of ER-B provided.

The effects on heat loss and rewarming times in isoflurane anesthetized HAP using a HMA anesthesia circuit in combination with convective and conductive warming strategies, compared to a MA and BS, were evaluated. Additionally, a comparison of subcutaneous implantable transponders (BTT), esophageal temperature probes (ETP), and cloacal temperature probes (CTP) to monitor BT under anesthesia was also investigated. Twelve HAPs were anesthetized in a complete crossover study to compare 3 anesthesia circuits in combination with convective and conductive warming strategies. The results showed no statistically significant difference (all P > 0.05) in the times for temperature loss (41.7-37.5 °C(107-99.5°F)) and rewarming (37.5°C-41.4°C (99.5-106.5°F)) between circuits. The comparison between ETP, BTT, and CTP revealed a mean standard error of < 1.1°C (2°F) of BTT and CTP when compared with the ETP, and an overestimation of < 0.8°C (1.5°F) from BTT and CTP. Showing that BTTs could have acceptable clinical accuracy.

Date

7-7-2026

Committee Chair

Thoma N. Tully Jr.

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

Download

Available for download on Thursday, June 21, 2029

Share

COinS