PHARMACOKINETIC EVALUATION of A LONG-ACTING FENTANYL SOLUTION after TRANSDERMAL ADMINISTRATION in HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (NUMIDA MELEAGRIS)

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of a long-acting fentanyl solution in helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) after transdermal administration. Twenty-one guineafowl received a single administration of 5 mg/kg of fentanyl transdermal solution. No adverse effects on behavior were appreciated. Plasma fentanyl concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of protein-precipitated samples. Mean maximum plasma concentration was 228.8 ng/ml at 4 hr. The mean plasma terminal half-life was 33.2 hr. At 168 hr the mean plasma concentration was 1.3 ng/ml. A single topical dose of 5 mg/kg appears to be safe for use in this species and maintained plasma concentrations above those reported to be analgesic in dogs for at least 7 days.