Treatment for Peahen with possible infection

Garden Peas said:

Not only do antibiotics NOT kill fungal & yeast infections, they can create or facilitate conditions which are perfectly suited to yeast & fungal infections. Antibiotics are notorious for setting up conditions which lead to fungi and/or yeast overgrowth. That's one of the numerous issues with random use or not clinically indicated use of antibiotics, and can occur even if antibiotics are used correctly.

Antifungal meds can be pretty hard on the system too -- best to know specifically what the problem is before throwing lots of different treatments at an unidentified illness.

Click to expand...

CrazyBirdLady7 said:

I appreciate everyone's help. I'm getting a bit confused and frustrated with the most recent threads about who's advice we can and cannot trust. If we can just focus on my bird and her specific issue, I think that will be the most helpful for me and others who may run into the same problem. I'll try to respond to the questions that were directed to me. I was advised by a bird expert friend that she had a fungal infection a few months ago cuz she had eaten some dirt from a plant that I had brought in from outside. I noticed after the fact that the dirt had mold on it which she most likely ingested. Plus, she hadn't been outside in a couple months. And yes, Kathy, this is the same bird that was sick last year. She is no where near as sick now as she was back then. I am one of those foolish ppl that mixed the 3 cc safeguard with a gallon of water. Are you saying I can give this to her straight? Do I give to her once a day for 5 days? I have no problem using a syringe to administer meds orally. If I were to purchase a different antibiotic, what should I get and what is the dosing amount and frequency? I would prefer NOT having to inject her with a needle if possible.

Click to expand...

CrazyBirdLady7 said:

My almost 2 year old, very domesticated peahen hasn't eaten or drank anything on her own in over 24 hours. I took her to a vet last night who was able to give her some IV fluids and an Ivomec injection. We started her on a 3 day treatment for a bacterial infection too. This was all at about 7pm last night and as of 7am this morning I hadn't seen any improvement. I've been able to get her to swallow some peas and carrots and have been dipping her beak in her water dish to entice her to drink. She shows a little interest in her food but when she tries to eat she starts shaking her head like she's trying to shake something off of her beak. She's been extra sensitive about things getting on her beak, especially water, and wants to immediately wipe it off. The vet swabbed her throat and examined it but there's nothing lodged, no visible worms, no mucus. Her poop is white and clear, very liquid and mucus like. She did have some substantial "stinky poops" at the vet but could have been due to all the poking and prodding. I keep my bird inside most of the time, especially at night, but since it's been nice, I've kept her outside in her pen during the day. Shortly after I started doing that is when she stopped eating and started acting weird. I hadn't wormed her in several months either. So the vet thinks we might be looking at gapeworm, or a combo of bacterial infection spurred by a parasite? Not exactly sure. So I'm looking for advice, tips, ideas, because I am very attached to this bird and will be devastated if I loose her Also, does anyone know how long it should take the meds to kick in or when I should start seeing improvement if they're working? Thanks!

Click to expand...

CrazyBirdLady7 said:

Paisley did so well at the vet last night! They were able to do a fecal float and found a microscopic round worm larve.
They even let me look at it through the microscope! Creepy looking things!
Anyway, the vet thinks that she just wasn't on a long enough dose of the SMZ and dewormer.
So, meds round two: 3 days Pancure oral once daily and 0.5cc SMZ orally twice daily for ten days.
Paisley seems to be in good spirits and is slowly getting her normal appetite back.
Still seeing runny urate poo but I'm hoping that will start to change as the meds take effect and she starts to eat more.
Thanks to all who have helped me through this with their advice and support

Click to expand...

casportpony said:

What does her poop look like?

Click to expand...

msmolly said:

She is currently on my roof for the night, i will see if i can catch her pooping tomorrow and take a pic. Can i hurt her while massaging? I felt like i was moving that gravel stuff around quite a bit.

Click to expand...