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Giardiasis in Lovebirds

Bird · Agapornis roseicollis · typical adult weight 0.04–0.06 kg

2 cited drugs treat Giardiasis in lovebirds: Fenbendazole, 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 lovebirds — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Fenbendazole(Panacur)

Antiparasitic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO15 mg/kgq24h x 5 daysAnthelmintic (cestodes, nematodes, trematodes, Giardia, acanthocephalans)Moderate43. Bailey TA, Apo MM. Pharmaceutics commonly used in avian medicine. In: Samour J, eds. Avian Medicine, 3rd ed., Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, Scotland; 2016:637-678. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.433 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1016/b978-0-7234-3832-8.00023-7

Metronidazole(Flagyl)

Antibiotic
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO, IM10–30 mg/kgq12h x 10 daysAlimentary tract protozoa (Giardia, Histomonas, Spironucleus, Trichomonas)Moderate43. Bailey TA, Apo MM. Pharmaceutics commonly used in avian medicine. In: Samour J, eds. Avian Medicine, 3rd ed., Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, Scotland; 2016:637-678. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.437 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1016/b978-0-7234-3832-8.00023-7

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.

Giardiasis in Lovebirds: 2 Cited Drug Options | ExoticRx