Caring for ornamental cage birds involves ensuring their overall health and well-being, and a crucial aspect of this is effective parasite control. Avitrol Plus is a widely used water-soluble dewormer designed to combat a range of internal parasites in birds. This guide will delve into the active constituents, targeted parasites, modes of action, dosage instructions, and important precautions associated with Avitrol Plus, providing bird owners with the essential information to maintain a healthy flock.
Understanding the Active Constituents and Their Action
Avitrol Plus contains two primary active ingredients, each with a distinct role in eliminating internal parasites: Levamisole hydrochloride and Praziquantel.
Levamisole hydrochloride is present at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. Its primary mode of action is to paralyze the parasite by affecting the cholinergic receptor at the neuromuscular junction. This paralysis prevents the worms from functioning and allows them to be naturally expelled from the bird’s system. Additionally, levamisole has been observed to interfere with the parasite’s energy metabolism by inhibiting fumarate reductase and impacting glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis.
Praziquantel, at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, is a highly effective cestocidal drug, meaning it specifically targets tapeworms. It works by damaging the tapeworm’s outer layer (tegument) and disrupting its ability to absorb nutrients like glucose. Praziquantel also stimulates lactate release within the tapeworm, further contributing to its demise. Crucially, tapeworms treated with praziquantel are destroyed in situ, meaning they are broken down within the bird’s body.
Parasites Targeted by Avitrol Plus
Avitrol Plus offers a broad spectrum of activity against common and damaging internal parasites found in ornamental cage birds. It is effective in treating:
- Threadworm (Capillaria sp.): These small worms can cause significant damage to the digestive tract.
- Caecal worm (Heterakis sp.): Primarily found in the caeca, these worms can lead to reduced nutrient absorption.
- Roundworm (Ascaridia sp.): Large intestinal roundworms can obstruct the digestive tract, especially in heavy infestations.
- Gape worm (Syngamus sp.): These parasites reside in the trachea, causing respiratory distress.
- Gizzard worm (Acuaria sp.): Affecting the gizzard, these worms can impair digestion.
- Tapeworm (Raillietina sp.): Segmented tapeworms absorb nutrients directly from the host’s intestine, leading to malnutrition.
Dosage and Administration
Proper dosage and administration are critical for the efficacy of Avitrol Plus and the safety of the birds. The solution should always be freshly prepared before dosing. A repeat treatment in 14 days is recommended to ensure all life stages of the parasites are eliminated.
Water Dosage
The recommended water dosage is either 0.5 mL (0.016 fl oz) per 20 mL (0.676 fl oz) of drinking water, administered fresh every 24 hours, or 25 mL (0.845 fl oz) per 1 liter (0.264 gal) of drinking water. It is essential to remove all other sources of drinking water from the cage during treatment to ensure adequate intake of the medicated water.
Crop Dosage
For direct administration, Avitrol Plus syrup can be given via a crop needle or tube inserted directly into the crop using a syringe. This method requires confidence in correct placement to avoid complications. If using crop dosage, birds should receive only seed for 24 hours, with the medicated solution being their sole source of water, before being returned to fresh, clean water.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions
While Avitrol Plus is generally safe and effective, certain precautions and contraindications must be observed.
Contraindications
Avitrol Plus should not be used in species or strains of birds known to be sensitive to levamisole. It is specifically not recommended for use in Gouldian Finches due to potential sensitivities.
Precautions
Parrots may exhibit lower tolerance to levamisole compared to pigeons. Avoid administering Avitrol Plus during extremely hot, dry weather, or when treating birds that are already stressed, or those feeding young. The product is harmful if swallowed, and contact with eyes and skin should be avoided. Always wash hands thoroughly after use.
Adverse Reactions
Potential adverse reactions include regurgitation, which is not typically considered harmful. Other possible side effects involve incoordination, and paresis (weakness) of the legs and wings. In rare cases, deaths occurring up to two days after dosing have been attributed to obstruction caused by a massive roundworm infestation, highlighting the importance of early and consistent deworming.
In conclusion, Avitrol Plus is a valuable tool for ornamental cage bird keepers to manage common internal parasites. By understanding its components, adhering to correct dosage, and being aware of the precautions, owners can effectively protect their birds’ health and ensure they thrive. Consulting with a veterinarian for tailored advice is always recommended.
