PHARMACOKINETICS OF PIROXICAM IN CRANES (FAMILY GRUIDAE)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Avian Medicine
• Wildlife Toxicology

Background:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used, but their pharmacokinetics in avian species are poorly understood.
• Piroxicam is a commonly used NSAID with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the pharmacokinetics of piroxicam in brolgas (Antigone rubicunda).
• To assess the safety and absorption of piroxicam in this avian species.
• To compare plasma concentrations with human analgesic levels.

Main Methods:

• Three brolgas received single oral doses of piroxicam (0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg) in separate trials.
• Serial blood samples were collected to measure plasma piroxicam concentrations.
• Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Piroxicam was rapidly absorbed at both dosages, with no observed adverse effects.
• Peak plasma concentrations were achieved at 3.67 hr (4.00 μg/ml) for 0.5 mg/kg and 0.83 hr (8.77 μg/ml) for 1.0 mg/kg.
• Mean peak plasma concentrations were comparable to those known to be analgesic in humans.

Conclusions:

• Piroxicam is readily absorbed and potentially dose-proportional in brolgas.
• Further studies are warranted to confirm linear kinetics and establish optimal dosing regimens.
• This is the first pharmacokinetic study of piroxicam in an avian species, suggesting its potential utility in avian medicine.