Amikacin therapy for Pseudomonas cellulitis in an Amazon parrot.

Amikacin sulfate, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, was used successfully to treat a case of severe Pseudomonas cellulitus in an Amazon parrot. Side effects of polyuria and polydipsia occurred, but resolved without treatment 3 weeks after the antibiotic regimen. Amikacin sulfate was given at a dosage of 0.04 mg/g of body weight, IM, twice a day, based on antimicrobial sensitivity results. Amikacin sulfate is indicated for P aeruginosa cellulitis that is resistant to gentamicin sulfate. Although it is potentially nephrotoxic, it can be used successfully in birds without permanent clinically evident renal effects.