COMPARATIVE USE OF VARIOUS MYDRIATIC DRUGS IN KESTRELS (FALCO-TINNUNCULUS)

The mydriatic effect of 3 curare-like neuromuscular blocking agents wa s tested in European kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) after topical applic ation. Alcuronium chloride (5 mg/ml) was found to be effective at a do se of 1 drop (20 drops = 1 ml) administered twice at a 15-minute inter val. Mydriasis was achieved at t = 26 +/- 11 minutes, maximal effect w as reached at t = 60 +/- 39 minutes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 364 +/- 134 minutes. Nevertheless, side effects, including tempor ary full paralysis in 1 bird, indicated that this drug should not be u sed. Pancuronium bromide (2 mg/ml) had an inconsistent effect on each bird at a dose of 2 drops administered twice at 15 minute intervals, a nd total mydriasis was not reached in 5 of 8 birds. Mydriasis was achi eved at t = 34 +/- 11 minutes, maximal effect was reduced and reached at t = 43 +/- 13 minutes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 90 +/- 33 minutes. Vecuronium bromide (4 mg/ml) was administered at a dose o f 2 drops, 3 times, at 15-minute intervals, Mydriasis was achieved at t = 23 +/- 8 minutes, maximal effect was reached at t = 65 +/- 12 minu tes, and sufficient mydriasis ended at t = 253 +/- 65 minutes. Side ef fects were not detected. Vecuronium bromide should be used in raptoria l birds whenever retinal examination requires fundoscopy.