Pharmacokinetic Study of Non–steroidal Anti–inflammatory Drugs in Wildlife Rehabilitation Birds

Sara Caruso; Erica Miller; Robert Poppenga

doi:10.53607/wrb.v24.197

Authors

Sara Caruso DVM
Erica A. Miller DVM Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.
Robert Poppenga DVM, PhD University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v24.197

Abstract

While the use of non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is common in many veterinary practices, there is little information on the efficacy and appropriate dosage levels in avian species. This study examined the pharmacokinetics of one NSAID, meloxicam, given orally to wild birds undergoing rehabilitation. Meloxicam was administered at 1 mg/kg. The primary species studied was Canada goose, but red–tailed hawk was included as a comparison between these species of birds. After administration of meloxicam, blood samples were taken at a series of time intervals to determine the concentration of drug in the serum over time. The study concluded that 1 mg/kg is an appropriate dosage but should be administered twice daily instead of once a day due to the elimination rate in Canada geese. These results suggest that red–tailed hawks absorb and eliminate meloxicam at a different rate, but additional studies are needed to confirm this finding.

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Author Biographies

Sara Caruso DVM

Sara Caruso is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She currently works at a small animal practice in Colchester, Connecticut.

Erica A. Miller DVM, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.

Erica A. Miller is a clinic and oil spill response veterinarian for Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc. in Newark, DE. She is also past president of NWRA.

Robert Poppenga DVM, PhD, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Robert Poppenga received his DVM and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois. He is Professor of Clinical Veterinary Toxicology at UC-Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine and head of the Section of Diagnostic Toxicology in the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System.

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