An experimental paradigm based on the microcrystalline sodium urate-induced arthritis model was developed for determining the effectiveness and optimum dose of drugs with potential local analgesic properties for the diagnosis and alleviation of musculoskeletal pain in birds. The optimum intra-articular injection of sodium urate was 6 mg in 0.2 ml diluent in 12-week-old male domestic fowl of 1.5 kg live weight. The response criteria were changes in behavioural profiles over 60 minutes commencing one hour after intra-articular injection. The testing system was used to determine the optimum rate of intra-articular application of the local anaesthetic bupivacaine hydrochloride. The behavioural profile of treated birds was restored to that of the controls at a minimal injection of 3 mg in 0.3 ml saline. It was concluded that the optimum intra-articular dose of bupivacaine for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in the domestic fowl was 3 mg bupivacaine in 0.3 ml saline.

Anesthetics, Local↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Gait analysis of poultry.

Lameness is a major problem in the UK poultry industry, however, relatively few objective studies have been undertaken into the biomechanics of normal walking in these birds. In this study, the use of a pedobarograph as a novel method of gait analysis in poultry was investigated. Unlike most systems, the pedobarograph has a recording surface with a high degree of spatial resolution, allowing pressure patterns to be established for various regions of the foot. The highest pressures were found to act on the medial toe (149.4-218 kN m(-2)) and back toe (146.1-195.5 kN m(-2)). The metatarsal pad, a region often associated with lesions, was subject to lower pressures (16.3-131.2 kN m(-2)). Maximum net forces of 116-145 per cent of bodyweight were found during normal walking, an order of the same magnitude as human bipeds. Routine spatial parameters were also measured, allowing further characterisation of the gait patterns.

Animals↗