Premedication Strategies in Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) Utilizing Either Intramuscular Midazolam or Midazolam/Butorphanol Compared to Saline Control

Avian anesthesia in translational medicine must account for various species, yet there is limited research specifically on turkeys used in scientific studies. Premedication is commonly used in veterinary medicine to produce smoother anesthetic events for patients and staff. This study assessed premedication of turkeys using intramuscular midazolam (MDZ) or midazolam/butorphanol (MDZ-B) compared with saline control to improve handling/patient behaviors. Female turkeys ( n = 35) undergoing a surgical procedure for an orthopedic study were randomly divided into 3 groups (midazolam: 2 mg/kg IM; midazolam: 2 mg/kg IM and butorphanol: 1 mg/kg IM; or saline control: 0.45 mL/kg). Blinded raters qualitatively scored perianesthetic criteria at approximately 10 min post premedication (body position, restraint required, and muscle relaxation), following induction (intubation attempts/ease and apnea), and at recovery (restraint required, tremors, and wing flapping). Relevant time points tracked quantitative data including time of premedication, induction, intubation, inhalant anesthesia end time, and recovery. Premedication with either MDZ or MDZ-B improved perianesthetic parameters such as achieving sternal recumbency, lessening the restraint required, and improving muscle relaxation when compared with saline control. Use of MDZ or MDZ-B significantly decreased the time from premedication to intubation compared with control. The saline control group had significantly faster recoveries than the premedication groups. Choosing an appropriate anesthetic premedication protocol involves considering many factors. Turkeys premedicated with either MDZ or MDZ-B had easier induction leading to improved animal handling and restraint by staff. Due to significantly longer recovery times, MDZ or MDZ-B may increase the periprocedural labor required yet offer a smoother, less traumatic recovery.