Flumazenil has a dose-dependent effect on recovery from midazolam sedation in Rhode Island Red chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Flumazenil at 0.1 mg/kg IM provides the fastest, most reliable recovery from midazolam sedation in chickens.

This randomized crossover study evaluated the pharmacodynamics of three intramuscular doses of flumazenil (0.02, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg) as a reversal agent following intramuscular midazolam sedation (5 mg/kg) in six adult Rhode Island Red hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Birds received midazolam followed 25 minutes later by one of four treatments: three flumazenil doses or saline control. Serial monitoring included heart rate, respiratory rate, sedation scores, and times to recumbency and standing. All six hens achieved recumbency after midazolam, with cardiorespiratory parameters remaining within clinically acceptable limits throughout. Median recovery times were 153.9, 137.3, 70.7, and 173.0 minutes for the 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 mg/kg flumazenil, and control groups, respectively, with statistically significant differences between groups. The 0.1 mg/kg dose demonstrated a clear dose-dependent reduction in recovery time. Rescue flumazenil (0.05 mg/kg) was required in 5/6 control birds, 3/6 in the 0.02 mg/kg group, 3/6 in the 0.05 mg/kg group, and only 1/6 in the 0.1 mg/kg group. The study supports a dose-dependent effect of flumazenil in reversing midazolam sedation in chickens, with 0.1 mg/kg IM providing the most effective and timely recovery. These findings offer clinically relevant guidance for practitioners managing sedation and recovery in poultry and avian species.

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