Correct smz tmp and nystatin dose?

[daydream]

My umbrella cockatoo, Nash, wasn't acting himself at all today. Yesterday he was noticeably quiet, but no other symptoms. Then today he started shivering and not wanting to eat, except for a few peanuts that he loves. He wasn't talking much and was easily startled. I took him on to the vet so as to not risk him getting any worse. Of course being the VERY social boy that he is, he perked right up when we got there and put on a show for everybody in the waiting room (that's my boy!). Vet did hear some wheezing and prescribed smz tmp and nystatin, both 0.5 ml twice per day. Nash is 560 grams. Does this sound like the right doseage? I am worried it might not be quite enough.

[Parrotletzoo]

Your vet knows best. Give him the dose the vet recommended and take your bird back for a re-check when he is done with meds. If you want a second opinion find a certified avian vet in your area and take him to see a 2nd vet.
birds, even cockatoos are small animals and don't need as large of a dose of antibiotics and antifungals as people or larger pets need and too much medicine can be toxic. Make sure you get a 2nd opinion by a veterinarian before you increase your birds meds. I don't think you want to poison your friend accidentally.

i hope he feels better soon.

[daydream]

Of course I wouldn't just go and try to give my bird a human-size dose. I just wondered if people here thought 0.5 was exactly on target or if their vets may have prescribed .6 or .7 for a same-size bird.

[RubyMuse]

that sounds right - bird dosages in my experience are almost so small it is hard to get them in the syringe accurately. Never go over - the risk of overdose is of more concern than a dose that is too low. you can always just call to double check.

the other thing you can do is to offer a heat lamp on one side of the cage over the outside - sick birds often have troube regulating body temp and because their temps are high normally a little extra help is good - that way he can choose the warmth or get away by moving out from under the light if he needs to. maybe this will help with the shivering.

hope he is better soon!

[reddobes]

The correct dose can vary w/ the concentration of the particular preparation. Some drugs come in suspensions at certain concentrations and others are compounded at various concentrations depending on the clinic. Also, typically there is a dosage range depending on the severity of the issue. I would follow the dose prescribed and call your vet if you have any questions.

Hope your bird is better soon.

[Lisa B]

also stay away from peanuts.