Successful clinical management of enteritis in a blue and gold macaw

Abstract

A Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) weighing 940 grams was presented to the exotic bird medicine unit of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal with the history of regurgitation and weight loss for the past one week. Clinical examination revealed bluish conjunctival mucus membrane, ruffled feathers and cloacal temperature of 105.20 F. Hematological analysis, blood smear examination, cloacal swabs and fecal samples were collected for further analysis. Hematological analysis revealed leukocytosis particularly lymphocytosis, increased packed cell volume and erythrocytosis. Fecal sample and Blood smear examination were normal. Further Antibiotic sensitivity test showed sensitivity to Gentamicin cloacal swab cultural examination revealed E.coli Gram-negative rods were isolated. The bird was treated with Inj. Gentamicin @ 0.5 mg/kg IM, Inj. Ranitidine @ 0.5 mg/kg IV and Inj. Tribivet @ 0.2 ml (total dose) IM along with supportive fluids for 3 days. Then probiotic, amino acids, minerals and antioxidant supplements were also recommended for the bird. The bird recovered uneventfully after 3 days of treatment and supplements.