Association of Avian Veterinarians

Update on Use of Compounded DoxycyclineAuthor(s): Chris ColemanSource: Journal of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, Vol. 6, No. 1 (1992), p. 15Published by: Association of Avian VeterinariansStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/30136915 .

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professional career. If we start treat- ment relatively early, we've been suc- cessful with flucytosine (Ancoban - Roche) 60-100 mg/kg b.i.d. Since we've had a couple recur, we've extended Ancoban treatment to 90 days. Recently we've begun mixing it in baby food and storing it in the refrigerator as we use it over 2-3 days. It seems to be relatively stable.

MURPHY: The pharmacists that

developed Ancoban believe it has no efficacy against aspergillosis at all. The human research literature says An- coban is effective against only 50% of candida, and that 50% will be resis- tant after one week of usage. I don't know why there appears to be a clini- cal efficacy in avian species when there does not appear to be one in mammals.

CAMPBELL: I think it prevents

sporulation and gives the bird's im- mune system a chance to handle the fungus and prevent its spread.

JENKINS: Someone recently sug- gested we try acyclovir for polyoma- virus macaws (same dosage as for Pacheco's) and we have had fairly good success with it. The birds don't die but they may be stunted. There is no phar- macological reason why that should work, either, but it does.

UPDATE ON USE OF COMPOUNDED DOXYCYCLINE

Chris Coleman, DVM Haywood Animal Hospital

Hendersonville, North Carolina

In JAA V 5(4):191, I reported on an adverse reaction of a Caique (Pionites sp.) to intramuscular (IM) injections of a compounded doxycycline hyclate solution pH balanced with a phosphate buffer. I have since tested the com- pound in other Caiques and two other species to help determine the cause of the muscle reaction.

A 450-gram male African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) received an IM injection of the 20 mg/ml doxycycline hyclate phosphate- buffered solution at a dosage of 75-100 mg/kg (total dose - 2 ml). After no visible muscle reactions were seen within six days, muscle biopsies were taken at the injection site and the con- tralateral pectoral muscle where no in- jections had been given.

The histopathology at the injection site showed a small region of rhab- domyocyte granular degeneration and necrosis with sarcolemmal cell proliferation and local interfascicular lymphocytic infiltration. Histopathol- ogy results fromthe noninjected muscle showed focal myodegeneration, necrosis and interfascicular inflamma- tion. I would have expected some microscopic evidence of inflammation with any IM injection given in this volume. The reason for the changes

seen in the muscle on the noninjected side cannot be explained and do not confirm whether this product is irritat- ing or nonirritating to muscle tissue.

This African Grey went on to receive a total of seven injections given on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 34 and 40 as it would for chlamydiosis treatment with Vibravenos. The only visible reactions

No visible muscle reactions or significant changes in appetite,

weight or attitude were seen in any of the birds

during this study.

seen during this time were a 1 mm x 1 mm scab that appeared over the second injection site and a slight swelling over the third injection site. The swelling and scab resolved quickly without treat- ment.

A 155-gram male Caique was given a 0.1 ml test dose. When no reactions were noted after a week, this bird was given 0.8 ml, and a 131-gram female Caique was given 0.7 ml of the com- pounded doxycycline. No visible muscle reactions were seen in either bird but the female did experience loose droppings for 24 hours post-injec- tion. No significant changes in ap- petite, weight or attitude were seen in any of the birds during this study.

In order to establish if adequate blood levels of the drug are achieved with this compounded product at the presumed dose, blood samples were

drawn from the African Grey and the male Caique prior to and following in- jections on days 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Plasma was harvested and sent to Dr. Keven Flammer at North Carolina State University for doxycycline assays. Results are not yet available.

I have since used this compound in a 20-year-old Lilac-crowned Amazon (Amazonafinschi) without incident.

INSPISSATED EGGS IN FINCHES

Donald W. Zantop, DVM Fallston Veterinary Clinic

Fallston, Maryland

In a number of cases, a finch hen has been presented with a swollen ab- domen and other signs of egg-binding but no egg has been palpable. Radiographs have shown a broken, in- spissated egg at the oviduct/cloacal junction. I have been unable to medi- cally stimulate delivery of these eggs with calcium and oxytocin. These birds can be helped surgically by either doing a hysterectomy with the deformed egg left in the uterus, or by opening, clean- ing out and closing the distal portion of the uterus. In one case there had been a rent in the distal oviduct with the inspissated egg filling the hole.

Magnification with a loupe or surgi- cal microscope is necessary to perform this type of surgery. I also feel these tiny birds fair better during long anesthetic episodes if the anesthetic oxygen mix-

Voi6 No.l 1992 15

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