The mydriatic effect of 3 curare-like neuromuscular blocking agents was tested in European kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) after topical application. Alcuronium chloride (5 mg/ml) was found to be effective at a dose of 1 drop (20 drops = 1 ml) administered twice at a 15-minute interval. Mydriasis was achieved at t = 26 +/- 11 minutes, maximal effect was reached at t = 60 +/- 39 minutes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 364 +/- 134 minutes. Nevertheless, side effects, including temporary full paralysis in 1 bird, indicated that this drug should not be used. Pancuronium bromide (2 mg/ml) had an inconsistent effect on each bird at a dose of 2 drops administered twice at 15-minute intervals, and total mydriasis was not reached in 5 of 8 birds. Mydriasis was achieved at t = 34 +/- 11 minutes, maximal effect was reduced and reached at t = 43 +/- 13 minutes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 90 +/- 39 minutes. Vecuronium bromide (4 mg/ml) was administered at a dose of 2 drops, 3 times, at 15-minute intervals. Mydriasis was achieved at t = 23 +/- 8 minutes, maximal effect was reached at t = 65 +/- 12 minutes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 253 +/- 65 minutes. Side effects were not detected. Vecuronium bromide should be used in raptorial birds whenever retinal examination requires fundoscopy.

Hemodynamic and analgesic effects of medetomidine (15 microgram/kg of body weight, IM) and etomidate (0.5 mg/kg, IV, loading dose; 50 micrograms/kg/min, constant infusion) were evaluated in 6 healthy adult Beagles. Instrumentation was performed during isoflurane/ oxygen-maintained anesthesia. Before initiation of the study, isoflurane was allowed to reach end-tidal concentration less than or equal to 0.5%, when baseline measurements were recorded. Medetomidine and atropine (0.044 mg/kg) were given IM after recording of baseline values. Ten minutes later, the loading dose of etomidate was given IM, and constant infusion was begun and continued for 60 minutes. Oxygen was administered via endotracheal tube throughout the study. Analgesia was evaluated by use of the standard tail clamp technique and a direct-current nerve stimulator. Sinoatrial and atrial-ventricular blocks occurred in 4 of 6 dogs within 2 minutes after administration of a medetomidine-atropine combination, but disappeared within 8 minutes. Apnea did not occur after administration of the etomidate loading dose. Analgesia was complete and consistent throughout 60 minutes of etomidate infusion. Medetomidine significantly (P < 0.05) increased systemic vascular resistance and decreased cardiac output. Etomidate infusion caused a decrease in respiratory function, but minimal changes in hemodynamic values. Time from termination of etomidate infusion to extubation, sternal recumbency, standing normally, and walking normally were 17.3 +/- 9.4, 43.8 +/- 14.2, 53.7 +/- 11.9, and 61.0 +/- 10.9 minutes, respectively. All recoveries were smooth and unremarkable. We concluded that this anesthetic drug combination, at the dosages used, is a safe technique in healthy Beagles.