Metronidazole for ducklings: dosage in water and instructions for use, how to give

Violation of sanitary rules for keeping poultry, concerning the timely replacement of bedding, keeping feeders and drinkers clean, leads to infection of livestock with protozoan parasites. For preventive and therapeutic purposes, antiprotozoal, antibacterial agents are used. For waterfowl, including ducklings, Metronidazole diluted in water is used according to the indicated dosage.

Composition and form of release of "Metronidazole"

Veterinary drug is used in tablet form. One tablet contains 0.25-0.125 milligrams of metronidazole. The drug is a synthetic analogue of the natural substance azomycin produced by streptomycetes (bacteria of the genus Streptomyces).

Pharmacological properties

The mechanism of action of "Metronidazole" is to inhibit the function of the DNA of pathogenic microorganisms, leading to disruption of their metabolic processes and death. After taking the drug is absorbed through the digestive system of birds and distributed through tissues and body fluids, getting:

• to the bone marrow;
• blood;
• bile.

Up to 60% of "Metronidazole" is concentrated in the liver, where a metabolite is formed that retains antiparasitic and antibacterial properties. It is excreted from the body of a bird within 48 hours with feces. Aerobic bacteria and fungal infection are insensitive to the drug.

Indications for use

"Metronidazole" is used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent. coccidiosis. It is impossible to exclude infection with coccidia, since protozoa are present in the external environment in the form of oocysts, microscopic capsules that are resistant to adverse conditions, disinfectants for several months.

Free-range birds are more likely to become infected than cage-raised birds due to the introduction of oocysts into the house. The most receptive age for chicks is between 2 and 6 weeks old. Symptoms of coccidiosis in birds:

• lack of appetite combined with constant intense thirst;
• weight loss;
• bloody diarrhea;
• dull and disheveled plumage;
• apathetic state.

If left untreated, motor muscle paralysis occurs. Histomonosis, or black head. The causative agent is histomonads (a class of flagellar protozoa). In development, there are 2 phases: flagella and amoeboid. Parasites infect the caecum and liver of birds. Carriers of the pathogen - earthworms, flies. Nematode eggs remain viable for a long time in soil contaminated with litter.

In adult birds, the disease is chronic, can last for several months.

External signs:

• depression;
• weight loss;
• dull plumage;
• blue skin on the head.

In chickens, ducklings, goslings, turkey poults, the disease proceeds in a dangerous form, turning into an epidemic. The entire livestock of young animals can be infected within 2 days. Symptoms of histomonosis:

• blackening of the skin on the head;
• foamy yellow-green diarrhea with a pungent odor;
• lack of activity;
• photophobia;
• dirty, matted plumage.

The most susceptible to the disease are turkey poults (case - from 70 to 90%). The internal organs of sick birds are to be burned after slaughter.

Trichomonosis. The causative agents are Trichomonas, protozoan parasites ranging in size from 15 to 40 micrometers.

Localization of pathogens in birds:

• oral and nasal cavity;
• upper esophagus;
• intestine;
• liver;
• oviducts.

Due to the defeat, swallowing food and breathing is difficult. Primary signs of infection:

• oppression;
• dyscoordination;
• diarrhea.

The most vulnerable are chicks of all species under the age of 30 days, among which the death may begin 2-3 days after the start of the epidemic. The source of infection is mice and rats, carriers of Trichomonas.

Instructions and dosages for ducks

"Metronidazole" is used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for chicks and adult birds. For chickens and ducklings, the tablets are crushed, dissolved in warm water and given through a pipette or syringe at the rate of 0.1 milligram per chick weight every 8 hours. Duration of treatment - 7-10 days, depending on the degree of damage.

For goslings, the medicinal solution is prepared in a proportion of 25 milligrams per live weight. If the young are weakened and cannot drink, then they are forced through the beak, using a pipette, 3 times a day.

For older chicks and adult birds, "Metronidazole" is mixed into the feed in crushed form at the rate of 1.5 grams per 1 kilogram of feed for ducks and chickens. For geese and turkeys, the dose is increased to 4.5 grams per 1 kilogram of feed.

For preventive purposes, the medicine is used for histomonosis for 10 days. The exact dosage and duration of the course, depending on the severity and extent of the spread of the disease, should be determined by the veterinarian

The consequences of an overdose

If the dosage and duration of treatment are not respected, the birds develop overdose symptoms. An allergic reaction is manifested in indigestion and coordination of movement. In such cases, consultation with a veterinarian is required.

Possible side effects and contraindications

Contraindication is intolerance to "Metronidazole", in which the bird develops convulsions. A side effect when using the medicine is refusal to feed, diarrhea.

Expiration date and storage rules

The drug is used for 2 years from the date of manufacture indicated by the manufacturer. The drug is deactivated in the light and at temperatures above 25 degrees.

Analogues of the drug

Medications with the active substance metronidazole in tablet form:

• "Trichopolum";
• Klion;
• Metrogil;
• Flagil.

Differences between drugs are in the country of origin (India, France, Spain, Russia).

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