International Journal of Science, Environment ISSN 2278-3687 (O)

and Technology, Vol. 6, No 4, 2017, 2248 – 2251 2277-663X (P)

THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF TRICHOMONIASIS IN

Abstract: A four years old golden yellow macaw was brought to the Pet clinic with a history
of whitish colour spot on the left eye for a past one month. After proper restraint, physical
examination was carried out. Whitish spots were observed on the left eye. Oral cavity
examination revealed that flakes present on the upper beak with fowl odour. Samples were
collected from the lesions using moistened microbiology swab. The diagnosis of
Trichomoniasis spp was confirmed by observing on wet-mount preparation of samples. The
bird was managed with the metronidazole at the dose rate of 10-30 mg per Kg body weight
through the oral route for three days. After seven days, the bird was recovered from the
clinical condition.
Keywords: Trichomoniasis, Golden yellow macaw, Metronidazole.

INTRODUCTION

Macaws are considered to be one of the most intelligent birds so that many biologists called
macaws as flying primates. In recent years, psittacine bird’s esp. macaws have become
increasingly popular as pets. Health problem commonly arises in captive exotic birds due to
improper care and management and lack of knowledge related to their housing pattern. Poor
nutrition, stress are all potential factors in the development of infectious agents.
Clinical History and Observation
A four year old golden yellow macaw was brought to the Dr. Vet’s Pet clinic, Pallavaram,
Chennai with a history of whitish colour spot on the left eye for a past one month. After
proper restraint, physical examination was carried out. Whitish spots were observed on the
eye. Oral cavity examination revealed that flakes present in the upper beak with fowl odour.
Swab was collected from the oral cavity.
Diagnosis
On observation ulcerative lesions, particularly in the oropharynx and crop, samples were
collected from the lesions using microbiology swabs moistened with saline solution. Swabs
were then rotated over the surface of a warm (32–35.8 C) microscope slide to produce wet
Received June 12, 2017 * Published Aug 2, 2017 * www.ijset.net
2249 Assan Kasim M and Pradeep R

smears. Smears were examined under light microscope. The samples collected were positive
for Trichomoniasis spp infection.
Treatment
The bird was managed with the Metronidazole oral suspension and treatment was
continued for seven days. After 10 days, the bird is recovered from the clinical condition.
DISCUSSION
Clinical signs such as anorexia, dysphagia, weight loss, and dyspnea. Whitish yellow,
caseous lesions adherent to the mucosa of the oropharynx, crop, and esophagus are in
accordance with findings of Samour et al., (2003) who stated that the Trichomonisis infection
caused white to yellow membranous or nodular caseous growths in the oropharynx and crop.
The lesions in this case were found on the dorsal part of the oropharyngeal region. This was
in accordance with Clyde et al., (1996) who quoted that, White plaques or necrotic masses
are noted in the oral cavity and esophagus and affected birds will show regurgitation.
Stadler et al., (1996) state that Trichomoniasis spp has been treated with furazolidone,
oxytetracycline, dimetridazoIe, and metronidazole
Usage of metronidazole treatment of trichomoniasis was for at the dose rate of 10-30 mg per
kg body weight against the protozoan based on the carpenter (2012). The therapeutic effect
was observed, which revealed a marked clinical improvement with regard to improvement in
texture and appearance. Samour et al., (2003) recommended that Oropharyngeal cavity was
irrigated with warm saline and diluted povidone iodine or chlorhexidine twice daily up to two
weeks as per the need.
Conclusion
Avian Trichomoniasis is flagellate protozoan its mainly affects the upper gastero intestinal
tract and upper respiratory tract of a range of different bird species. The species
of Trichomoniasis spp that affects birds including: pigeons, doves, turkeys, chickens,
canaries, raptors (birds of prey), various parrot species (e.g. budgerigars, cockatiels and
Amazon parrots) Some severely affected birds may show many or most of these symptoms,
whereas other birds may only show one or two of them and be almost asymptomatic.
Budgerigars rarely develop the oral lesions. Raptors often get nasty, cheesy-looking lesions
under their tongues and on their hard palates (the roof of the mouth). Over time,
the Trichomoniasis spp organisms can destroy the hard palate and/or mandible (jaw bone).
On some occasions, the Trichomoniasis spp organisms can even eat through the roof of the
mouth and throat and into the skull and brain. Such a condition is generally fatal.
 Therapeutic Management of Trichomoniasis in …. 2250

Metronidazole was used for the treatment of Trichomoniasis infection at a dose rate of 10-30
mg per kg body weight against Trichomoniasis infection and it gives the best result against
flagellate protozoan infection.
References
[1] Carpenter, J.W. (2012). Exotic animal formulary. Elsevier Health Sciences.
[2] Clyde, V.L., & Patton, S. (1996, April). Diagnosis, treatment and control of common
parasites in companion and aviary birds. In Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine (Vol.
5, No. 2, pp. 75-84).
[3] Stadler, C.K., & Carpenter, J.W. (1996, April). Parasites of Backyard game birds.
In Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine (Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 85-96). WB Saunders.
[4] Samour, Jaime H., and Jesus L. Naldo."Diagnosis and therapeutic management of
trichomoniasis in falcons in Saudi Arabia." Journal of avian medicine and surgery 17.3
(2003): 136-143.

Before Treatment

After treatment
2251 Assan Kasim M and Pradeep R

Wet mount preparation- positive for Trichomoniasis spp