Antinociceptive effects of subcutaneous hydromorphone in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

Subcutaneous hydromorphone 0.5 mg/kg provides effective 24-hour antinociception in bearded dragons.

This randomized, blinded, crossover study evaluated the antinociceptive efficacy of subcutaneous hydromorphone in six healthy adult bearded dragons using thermal quantitative sensory testing. Baseline thermal threshold (TT) and cold thermal latency (CTL) measurements were established, followed by randomized injection of either hydromorphone (0.5 mg/kg) or saline. Testing was repeated at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-injection. Hydromorphone significantly increased TT compared to placebo at all time points (p ≤ 0.002), with peak effect at 2-4 hours reaching maximum cutoff temperature. CTL was significantly prolonged after hydromorphone injection (p < 0.001) regardless of timepoint. Good test repeatability was demonstrated (CV 28.5%), though test-retest reliability was low. No adverse dermatological effects occurred. The study establishes hydromorphone 0.5 mg/kg subcutaneously as an effective analgesic providing 24-hour antinociception in bearded dragons, supporting its clinical use in reptile anesthesia and pain management protocols.

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