Tramadol in Parrots

Nine Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) were studied to evaluate pharmacokinetics after both PO and IV administration of tramadol hydrochloride to determine what dose would result in plasma concentrations >100 ng/mL (associated with analgesia in this species). Three 10 mg/mL solutions were used for PO administration of 10 and 30 mg/kg doses: solution 1 consisted of crushed tramadol tablets mixed in commercialsuspension agent; solution 2 of crushed tramadol tablets mixed in sterile water; solution 3 of unprocessed chemical-grade tramadol hydrochloride powder mixed in sterile water. Plasma concentrations after PO administration of tramadol were <40 ng/mL over the study’s course, but PO administration at 30 mg/kg resulted in mean plasma concentrations >100 ng/mL for ~6 hours after administration. PO administration of suspension 3 resulted in higher plasma tramadol concentrations than those obtained after the other 2. Mean plasma tramadol concentrations after IV administration at 5 mg/kg were >100 ng/mL for ~2–4 hours. No sedation, behavior, or eating habit changes were detected. Future studies should examine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tramadol in other avian species. In addition, studies examining pharmacokinetic variables after PO administration of repeated tramadol doses could help determine appropriate dosing intervals when multiple-day administration is indicated.

CommentarySupport for the methodology in this study appeared sound, and simple compounds readily found in the average small animal exotic practice were used and compared with commercial-grade prepared solutions. Comparison studies into other avian species were also highlighted. In addition, this well planned experiment was presented in an easy-to-comprehend layout, which would be clinically useful for practitioners who work with parrots.—Randon D. Feinsod, DVM

SourcePharmacokinetics after oral and intravenous administration of a single dose of tramadol hydrochloride to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Guzman DS-M, Souza MJ, Braun JM, et al. AM J VET RES 73:1148-1152, 2012.