Giardiasis in Domestic Pigeons
Bird · Columba livia domestica · typical adult weight 0.30–0.50 kg
2 cited drugs treat Giardiasis in domestic pigeons: Ipronidazole, Metronidazole.
Intestinal infection with Giardia (a flagellate protozoan). Common in young or recently rehomed animals and across exotic species kept in groups; presents as soft to watery diarrhoea, often intermittent. Treatment options vary by species — some species tolerate metronidazole poorly.
The overview above describes Giardiasis across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to domestic pigeons — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Ipronidazole(Ipropran)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO (drinking water) | 250 mg/L drinking water | in drinking water x3-7 days | × 3-7 days, as printed — a bounded course, not continuous. | Giardia, Trichomonas, Histomonas | Weak | 391. Hawkins MG, Barron H, Speer BL, et al. Birds. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed., Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO; 2013:183-437. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Metronidazole(Flagyl)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 10–20 mg/kg | q12-24h x 2 days | Trichomoniasis, giardiasis, hexamitiasis | Moderate | 391. Hawkins MG, Barron H, Speer BL, et al. Birds. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed., Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO; 2013:183-437. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.437Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
| PO | 25–50 mg/kg | q12-24h (use lower dose with twice-daily dosing) | Trichomoniasis, giardiasis, hexamitiasis | Moderate | 291. Flammer K. Treatment of bacterial and mycotic diseases of the avian gastrointestinal tract. Proc North Am Vet Conf; 2002:851-852. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.437 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Birds).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Other conditions in Domestic Pigeons
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.