Iohexol gastrointestinal transit times in cockatiels under sedation with intranasal midazolam by computed radiography

ABSTRACT: This study used contrast radiography to evaluate gastrointestinal transit times in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and investigated the sedative effects of intranasal midazolam this species its usefulness facilitating manual restraint required for radiographic studies. Twelve healthy adult received at dose 2 mg/kg, iohexol 15 ml/kg by crop gavage. Radiographic images were obtained before administration, 3 minutes after then each 10 90 minutes. Sedation quality bird was evaluated during assessed according an adapted visual sedation scale. Three cervical oesophagus filled all birds. At same time, medium reached thoracic oesophagus, proventriculus, isthmus ventriculus most In cockatiels, median (range) (3-10) proventriculus ventriculus, (10-40) small intestine 45 (30-70) large intestine. The overall time 50 (30-90) minutes.Crop remained with throughout study, while presented a pattern progression different from other segments. According scale, moderate intense muscular relaxation, seems be appropriate protocol study. All clear watery stools least 12 hours after, due emptying.