Effects of tiletamine-zolazepam and sevoflurane combination on anaesthetic quality and haemato-biochemical parameters of domestic chicken

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of tiletamine-zolazepam and sevoflurane combination on quality of anaesthesia, haematological and biochemical parameters in healthy adult domestic chickens. Eighteen birds were randomly divided into three groups and administered zolazepam-tiletamine at doses of 15 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg, respectively, followed by sevoflurane at dose rate of 1.5% for maintenance. There was non-significant variation of haematological parameters, such as total erythrocytic count, total leucocytic count, haemoglobin, erythrocytic sedimentation rate, packed cell volume, monocyte, lymphocyte, and granulocyte counts was recorded. Biochemical parameters, including blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase, also remained within normal ranges, except for a significant increase in blood glucose levels. The combination provided adequate analgesia, muscle relaxation, and sedation, with smooth induction and recovery. Induction time was shortest but recovery time was longest in the group administered with 25 mg/kg zolazepam-tiletamine, while it was longest in the group administered with 15 mg/kg zolazepam-tiletamine followed by shortest recovery time. The study concludes that zolazepam-tiletamine and sevoflurane combination is a suitable as anaesthetic protocol for domestic chickens, with potential applications in surgical and diagnostic procedures as well as for transportation of birds.