Intranasal sedation with diazepam-butorphanol in yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis): a preliminary clinical evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) are frequently presented to wildlife clinics, often requiring safe and effective sedation and analgesia for diagnostic procedures. Minimising stress and restraint during handling are critical for both animal welfare and staff safety. To address this need, this study evaluates the first intranasal protocol in gulls, aiming to facilitate routine examination and diagnostic imaging without physical restraint. A total of 16 gulls were included in this prospective, preliminary clinical evaluation. A combination of diazepam (8 mg/kg) and butorphanol (1 mg/kg) was administered intranasally in equal volumes into both nares. Physiological parameters were monitored, and reflexes were assessed to determine sedation depth. Radiographic imaging was performed during deep sedation. Sedation and recovery times were recorded.

RESULTS: Adequate sedation was achieved in all individuals. Deep sedation, occurred at a median of 10.50 (8.18-15.88) minutes in immature and 13.03 (7.32-16.58) minutes in adults (p = 0.798). Recovery and perching were observed at a median 110.50 (83.00-128.00) minutes and 109.00 (88.00-139.00) minutes, respectively (p = 0.798). Radiographic evaluations were completed without restraint or radiation exposure to staff, yielding diagnostic-quality images. Significant differences in physiological parameters were noted between restraint and sedation periods.

CONCLUSIONS: This protocol was effective and well-tolerated in yellow-legged gulls. It offers a practical, stress-reducing, and analgesic alternative to physical restraint for routine diagnostic procedures, significantly improving both animal welfare and clinical safety in wildlife practice.