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1 December 2017 The Incidence and Treatment Outcomes of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster Infection in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) in a Veterinary Clinic
Ronja Püstow, Maria-Elisabeth Krautwald-Junghanns
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, avian gastric yeast, is a common cause of gastrointestinal disease in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). To better understand the clinical disease in budgerigars presented in a practice population, we reviewed the occurrence, clinical signs, and treatment success of M ornithogaster disease in budgerigars during a 2.5-year period at the Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig (Leipzig, Germany). The yeast was diagnosed by microscopic examination of fresh fecal samples. Male budgerigars of all ages were most affected. Most clinical signs in birds with confirmed positive results were nonspecific, except for the occurrence of undigested seeds in the feces. Although radiographic appearance of a dilated proventriculus is indicative of a M ornithogaster infection, it is difficult to recognize because of the small size of the budgerigars. Birds with positive results were treated with amphotericin B (100 mg/kg PO q12h) for 4 weeks. Treatment was stressful for the birds because of the handling required and the long treatment duration, and therapeutic results were unsatisfactory. Therefore, the indications for treatment with amphotericin B should be carefully considered in birds with positive M ornithogaster results. An increased occurrence of the infection in association with other pathogens was detected.

© 2017 by the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Ronja Püstow and Maria-Elisabeth Krautwald-Junghanns "The Incidence and Treatment Outcomes of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster Infection in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) in a Veterinary Clinic," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 31(4), 344-350, (1 December 2017). https://doi.org/10.1647/2016-181
Published: 1 December 2017
KEYWORDS
Avian
Budgerigars
Macrorhabdus ornithogaster
melena
Melopsittacus undulatus
undigested seeds
yeast
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