Effect of meloxicam coadministration on the anaesthetic potency of thiopental sodium in a chick model

Abstract

Few studies have dealt with thiopental sodium-induced anaesthetic action and the effect of combining meloxicam (a high plasma protein-bound) in 10–15 day old chicks. First, the analgesic median effective dose (ED50) was determined as 35.85 mg/kg, IM by up-and-down routine, while the hypnotic ED50 value was 34.40 mg/kg, IM in the chick model. A thiopental sodium injection (18, 36 and 72 mg/kg, IM) produces a significant dose-responsive hypnotic effect in chicks, determined by the beginning of the lack of a righting reflex, duration and recovery time. Thiopental sodium and meloxicam (72 and 1 mg/kg, IM) in combination shortened the beginning of hypnosis, and significantly extended its duration, with a significant increase in recovery time from the hypnotic effect when compared to the group receiving only thiopental sodium. The same combination also elicited a significant increase in the analgesic percentage and efficacy, and significant increase in the voltage current estimated via using electrical stimulation to induce the ache feeling. No significant changes were found in the concentrations of serum glutamate pyruvate trans-aminase (GPT), glutamate oxalo-acetate trans-aminase (GOT) with body temperature between the two groups, with the exception of a significant change in respiratory rate. The outcomes of this study support the prospect of using thiopental sodium as an anaesthetic agent for veterinary surgical procedures in the chicks, in combination with meloxicam, to produce worthy, consistent, and proficient anaesthesia.