Effects of midazolam and lorazepam on food intake in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Abstract

Midazolam has been shown to increase food intake in budgerigars . However, its effect on appetite beyond one hour after administration is unknown. Lorazepam is a longer-acting benzodiazepine and may provide more sustained appetite-stimulating effects in birds, but currently, no information on its appetite or sedative effects in budgerigars is available. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded, complete crossover study , the effects of midazolam (1 mg/kg IM) or lorazepam (1 mg/kg IM) were compared to a control treatment (1 ml/kg sterile water IM) in healthy adult budgerigars (n = 22). Food intake was measured for one hour before and twelve hours after drug administration. Behavioral changes and adverse effects were monitored by video recording. Compared to the control treatment, food intake increased significantly following midazolam and lorazepam administration in the first hour after drug administration. The total amount of food ingested over time was significantly higher for the first five hours after midazolam or lorazepam administration compared to the control treatment. Sedation occurred for the first three hours after drug administration with both drugs. There was no clinical or statistical significance difference between lorazepam and midazolam regarding appetite stimulation or sedative effects in this study. Both midazolam and lorazepam are potent, short-acting appetite stimulants in budgerigars. To induce a sustained increase in food intake, the repeated administration of these drugs would be required. The use of lorazepam does not appear to provide any advantages compared to the more widely available and frequently used midazolam in budgerigars.