FINCHforum

I've been treating my 10 year old zebra finch for 3 weeks with Amoxitex for an eye infection...one eye...no other symptoms...as well as colloidal silver drops under the advice of Laraine from ladygouldianfinch. She had been on Doxycycline for 9 days which did nothing and another prescription from the avian vet. She said it was the right thing to do to switch her back to the Amoxitex. The Doxycycline was most likely not the right antibiotic and it's most likely strep/staph which Amoxitex covers. Normally I would treat her for 5 days but this is a yearly infection that just won't leave. I've tried other antibiotics and nothing works but Amoxitex. I stopped it last night because her eye looks great and thought three cycles of 5 days was enough. Also had acidopholus the whole time. Tonight she is itching it a lot again. Is it okay to keep her on a maintenance dose? I just think because of her age that she's not going to get rid of it this time and don't want to see her miserable. I am just buying days...don't want too much time to go by before I start it back up and make her immune to it. She is doing well otherwise, though low energy...basically like an old bird, not flying around much but very alert and eating well. I sterilized everything in her cage along the way and just before I stopped the antibiotics. I really need to know what to do with her. I don't want this infection to take off again.

If you use probiotics (acidophilus) while treating with antibiotics you are spinning your wheels. They counteract each other. The probiotics should be used after the antibiotic treatment is totally finished.

Thanks for reminding me of that. I knew...but for some reason did not remember this time. Must be old age setting in. I got in touch with Laraine again and started only the Colloidal silver eye drops. Her eye isn't a full blown infection but don't want it to get bad. I realize she will be 10 in February so I'm dealing with an older bird and buying time with her. But then again her brother, also her exact age acts like a 1 year old. Never been sick and full of energy! Not sure how long they live but happy for each day I have with them. Thanks again.

Believe me I have done the same thing. Sometimes it can get over whelming with all the treatments and protocol. First of all, just the fact that you have a TEN year old Zebra finch is absolutely astounding!! You are obviously an amazing Mom. I pray they are both with you for many happy times to come.