Conjunctivitis in longtail

20 Sep 2011, 11:42

A week or so ago I noticed a young longtail in my holding aviary with one watery eye, but otherwise fine. I assumed he'd knocked it on something, but I caught him up and put him in a small cage to recover. Yesterday I noticed his other eye was also a bit watery - so I suspect it may be the start of conjunctivitis. Apart from the eye issue he seems perfectly healthy. Just did a bit of googling and seems the most likely cause is bacterial, so I've put him on TripleC (vetafarm anitbiotic). Is this a sutiable treatment? None of the other birds show any symptoms, but should I also treat the holding cage?

20 Sep 2011, 14:44

Ahhh strange and weird it still has it!! Sam if it helps that last one i got off you could not look better. Weird who knows maybe it still was a knock and its just taking awhile? Hope it comes good sam.

20 Sep 2011, 15:05

I hope you're right Ben, but given it's affecting both eyes I suspect it's not so simple. None of my other birds have any symptoms, but I'll certainly let you know if it turns out to be anything of consequence. I'd hate to have passed anything on to your birds.

20 Sep 2011, 15:12

Ahhhh sam worst case scenario... even if if you did it wouldnt be your fault and i would never hold it against you!

It happens. Mate i would do my best as usual to help out and find a cure. I will try and do some research.

Keep me informed and also theres been nothing weird my way. So dont worry about my birds. Would be great to find out tho as at least its a learning curve.

20 Sep 2011, 17:48

SamDavis wrote: the start of conjunctivitis

Had a bout once in some birds I had in quarantine after a bird sale, I cleared it up with Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment, not sure if you can get it over the counter,I had it left over in the fridge.

20 Sep 2011, 21:01

Tetracyclines such as Triple CCC are probably the best of the over-the-counter antibiotics to use in this case.
If this doesn't work then you will need to see a vet for some prescription antibiotics.

21 Sep 2011, 07:10

Thanks Myzomela, much appreciated. Absolutely brilliant to get free vet advice on AFF. I shall continue with TripleC for a week and then reassess. Is it advisable to also treat the holding aviary with TripleC? I'm reluctant to administer antibiotics without good reason (might cause more problems than it solves). I have already given the holding aviary floor a clean and a quick wipe down with VirkonS.

21 Sep 2011, 09:44

As conjunctivitis is easily passed on cleaning or new perches would be a good act as if the long tail has wiped its head on perches to get at a itch could possibly left some trace of infection on there that's if it conjunctivitis.

21 Sep 2011, 13:09

Would one quaranteen the infected bird for a course of antibiotics or would one treat the entire aviary .?

21 Sep 2011, 19:15

Sam/Deb,
The ideal course of action would be to isolate and treat the affected bird, clean and disinfect the perches/dishes in the holding aviary and keep an eye on the rest of the birds. If any of them present with similar signs then treat the entire aviary.
I agree in avoiding unnecessary treatments where possible.
If you can't isolate the bird, then of course you will have to teat the entire aviary.