Objective: To evaluate the effects of a chemical restraint with isoflurane compared to a physical restraint in hemogram values in psittacines.
Animals: 21 adult lilac-crowned parrots (Amazona finschi).
Methods: Subjects were physically restrained for blood sample collection, after this isoflurane anesthesia was administered for 30 minutes at which time a second blood sample was taken. Hemogram values were compared between both samples using a t test in variables with normal distribution and a Wilcoxon test in variables without normal distribution. Statistical significance was established at P < .05.
Results: When comparing the analytes of the respective CBCs, a decrease in PCV (P < .001), RBC count (P < .001), WBC count (P = .017), absolute lymphocytes (P = .024), and total proteins (P < .001) was observed in the samples taken under chemical restraint. No significant differences in MCV and absolute values of heterophils, monocytes, or eosinophils were observed.
Clinical relevance: Isoflurane causes a decrease in some blood count values in lilac-crowned parrots under isoflurane anesthesia for 30 minutes. Although the magnitude of change could be variable between values, it is important to consider the blood collection method when interpreting the blood count in this species.
Keywords: Amazona finschi; anesthesia; complete blood count; isoflurane; psittacines.