Bird · Columba livia domestica · typical adult weight 0.30–0.50 kg
Metronidazole is dosed at 10–20 mg/kg IM q12-24h x 2 days in domestic pigeons, per 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.437 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Metronidazole is used in domestic pigeons for Trichomoniasis, giardiasis, hexamitiasis, Trichomoniasis. Routes documented in domestic pigeons: IM, PO. A typical adult domestic pigeon weighs 0.30–0.50 kg. ExoticRx lists 3 cited dose rules for Metronidazole in domestic pigeons, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Flagyl
| 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.437 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
| PO | 25–50 mg/kg | q12-24h | 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.437 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
| PO | 50 mg/kg | q12h | Trichomoniasis | Weak | 159. Formulary. In: Chitty J, Lierz M, Chitty J, Lierz M, eds. BSAVA Manual of Raptors, Pigeons and Passerine Birds; British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2008:384-390. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.437 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your domestic pigeon's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Disrupts DNA structure in anaerobic organisms via reduction of nitro group, forming cytotoxic intermediates.
Neurotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use (ataxia, seizures). Avoid in pregnant animals. Hepatotoxic at high doses.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for domestic pigeons may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Metronidazole dose ranges in domestic pigeons, with cited source references: IM 10–20 mg/kg q12-24h x 2 days; PO 25–50 mg/kg q12-24h; PO 50 mg/kg q12h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Metronidazole in domestic pigeons: IM, PO.
Metronidazole is indicated in domestic pigeons for: Trichomoniasis, giardiasis, hexamitiasis, Trichomoniasis.
These are general warnings for Metronidazole across species; consult the domestic pigeon dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Neurotoxicity at high doses or prolonged use (ataxia, seizures). Avoid in pregnant animals. Hepatotoxic at high doses.
Why a species-specific page? Metronidazole pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in domestic pigeons — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.