Antibiotic Drug Selection in Companion Birds

A variety of antibiotics are available for treating companion birds. Drug selection should consider pathogen susceptibility, the severity of illness, conditions at the site of infection, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drugs, potential drug toxicity, and the cost of treatment. The ability of the bird owner to comply with the recommended treatment regimen and the potential impact on the bird-owner bond must also be assessed. This article will review rational selection of an antibiotic and dosage regimen for treatment of common bacterial infections in companion birds.