To compare the sedative effect of three doses of intranasal midazolam in the tropical screech owl ( Megascops choliba ). Prospective, randomized experimental study. Thirty clinically healthy adult Megascops choliba. Owls were randomly assigned to one of three groups ( n = 10). Each group was given intranasal midazolam at doses of 2 mg kg –1 , 4 mg kg –1 , or 6 mg kg –1 . Sedation was assessed using a composite numerical rating scale (0–12). Righting reflex and recovery times were recorded. Statistical analyses was performed using ANOVA and multiple comparisons tests to compare sedation onset, depth, and duration among doses. Data are reported as median (interquartile range). A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Onset time in seconds was significantly faster with 4 mg kg -1 32.5 (16.2–42.5) seconds and 6 mg kg -1 29.5 (21.8–40.2) seconds compared to 2 mg kg -1 77.0 (51.0–104.5) seconds; p = 0.010). Median sedation scores over the observation period were lower in the 2 mg kg -1 group [5.5 (3.7–5.8) than in the 4 and 6 mg kg -1 groups 7.2 (6.9–7.4) and 8.1 (7.7–8.4), respectively; p < 0.001. No adverse effects were observed. Intranasal midazolam at 4–6 mg kg –1 produced rapid, effective, and well-tolerated sedation in Megascops choliba , with no observable adverse effects. These findings contribute to optimizing sedative protocols for Strigiformes and support its practical value as a simple and efficient option for use in clinical and field settings.
Pajares et al. (Sun,) studied this question.