ARS | Publication request: Is carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic, safe for use in Pekin ducks

Submitted to: International Society of Applied Ethology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 10, 2007
Publication Date: July 30, 2007
Citation: Tsumugi, K.A., Cheng, H., Marchant Forde, R. 2007. Is carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic, safe for use in Pekin ducks [abstract]. International Society of Applied Ethology. p. 147.

Technical Abstract: Carprofen (Rymadyl) is a common systemic analgesic used to relieve chronic pain states in dogs, such as osteoarthritis. There is no comparable drug recommended to treat pain, such as that originating from bill trimming procedures, in ducks. The aim of this study was to evaluate if carprofen could be chronically administered to Pekin ducks without adverse effects. Thirty-two, 1-day-old, Pekin ducks were pair-housed in bedded floor pens and randomly assigned to a control (C) or drug (D) treatment. They had ad libitum access to appropriate feed and water. At 2 weeks of age, the D ducks received carprofen (10 mg/kg/d) in their drinking water daily for 14 days. C ducks continued to receive regular, untreated, water. Behavior, body weight (BW) and blood samples were monitored at fixed intervals to evaluate any effect of the drug over time. Blood was analyzed to determine if treatment affected liver, kidney, or immune function. There was a significant effect of age on most parameters (P<0.05). However, there were no effects of treatment on behavior, body weight, the proportion of circulating heterophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, basophils, or H:L ratios (all P>0.05). Preliminary analysis of chemical panel data failed to highlight any effects of treatment on either liver or kidney function. Overall, there seems to be no apparent toxic effects of chronic carprofen administration in Pekin ducks. Any significant differences present were age related and considered a normal part of growth and development. Carprofen may now be safely incorporated into future studies for evaluating the emergence and persistence of pain states due to bill trimming methods in Pekin ducks.