Use of tramadol as analgesic alternative in Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

BACKGROUND: The Harris hawk is a bird of prey susceptible to traumatic injuries because it is useful for several purposes such as conservancy, biological control and falconry. Once received in rehabilitation centres or specialized clinics, it is necessary to provide proper analgesia. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the analgesic efficacy of tramadol in Harris hawks (PISADOL 50 PiSA Agropecuaria, S.A. de C.V. Calle 1 Norte, Manzana 2‐25 Parque Industrial Tula Atitalaquia, Hgo, México), by the assessment of nociceptive threshold. METHODS: A total of 24 adult Harris hawks were selected from a rehabilitation centre. The birds were randomly divided into four groups: control (saline solution), 5.0, 15.0 and 30.0 mg/kg of intramuscular tramadol. Nociception was produced with electrical stimuli of 9 V, applied in propatagial skin at 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 min, assessing the nociceptive threshold and sedative effects produced by each treatment. RESULTS: No difference was observed between control and tramadol group 5 mg/kg. At 15 mg/kg, the pain threshold increased from 20 to 240 min, with minimal sedative effects. At 30 mg/kg, there was a marked increase in pain threshold from 10 to 300 min, and sedative effects like wing and head drooping for a period of 90 min. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol can be an analgesic alternative for Harris's hawks, as it decreases the response to painful stimuli in this species when administered by intramuscular route.