Seizures and Epilepsy in Amazon Parrots
Bird · Amazona spp. · typical adult weight 0.35–0.55 kg
2 cited drugs treat Seizures and Epilepsy in amazon parrots: Levetiracetam, Zonisamide.
Acute control and chronic management of seizure disorders. Status-epilepticus protocols use benzodiazepines first line, with phenobarbital, levetiracetam, or potassium bromide for maintenance. Etiology workup is essential — idiopathic epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion.
The overview above describes Seizures and Epilepsy across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to amazon parrots — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Levetiracetam(Keppra)
Anticonvulsant| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 50 mg/kg | q8h | Seizure management; PK-derived | Moderate | 836. Schnellbacher R, Beaufrère H, Arnold RD, et al. Pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam in healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) after oral administration of a single dose. J Avian Med Surg. 2014;28(3):193-200. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.473 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1647/2013-057 |
| PO | 100 mg/kg | q12h | Seizure management; PK-derived | Moderate | 836. Schnellbacher R, Beaufrère H, Arnold RD, et al. Pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam in healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) after oral administration of a single dose. J Avian Med Surg. 2014;28(3):193-200. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.473 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1647/2013-057 |
Zonisamide(Zonegran)
Anticonvulsant| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 20 mg/kg | q12h | Seizure management; PK-derived | Moderate | 472. Keller KA, Guzman DS.M, Boothe DM, et al. Pharmacokinetics and safety of zonisamide after oral administration of single and multiple doses to Hispaniolan amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Am J Vet Res. 2019;80(2):195-200. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.474 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Other conditions in Amazon Parrots
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.