Use of a Compounded Poloxamer 407 Antibiotic Topical Therapy as Part of the Successful Management of Chronic Ulcerative Dermatitis in a Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

A 23-year-old, 425-g male African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was evaluated for chronic ulcerative dermatitis of the axillary regions under both wings. Initial swab cultures of the sites had revealed a coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) with marked antibiotic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of avian medicine and surgery 2018-03, Vol.32 (1), p.45-49
Main Author: Pilny, Anthony A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
African grey parrot
avian
Case studies
Clinical Report
Clinical Reports
Dermatitis
Dosage and administration
Drug therapy
Health aspects
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MRSA
Parrots
poloxamer gel
Poloxamers
Psittacus erithacus
Staphylococcal infections
Veterinary antibiotics
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Summary:A 23-year-old, 425-g male African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was evaluated for chronic ulcerative dermatitis of the axillary regions under both wings. Initial swab cultures of the sites had revealed a coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) with marked antibiotic resistance. A second swab culture obtained 8 weeks after the initial culture showed heavy growth of a coagulase-positive Staphylococcus species, which could not be speciated, but showed the same sensitivity as the previous culture. Previous treatment included systemic antibiotics and a topical antimicrobial cream, with variable response and only temporary resolution. On examination, full-thickness, ulcerative, necrotic dermatitis was present under both wings with intermittent bleeding and subdermal tissue exposure. Initial treatment included wound debridement, oral antibiotics, topical therapy, analgesics, and bandages. After a relapse, a poloxamer gel containing 2% doxycycline, 1% chloramphenicol, and 0.5% mupirocin was used in combination with oral antibiotics and analgesics. On follow-up examination, the skin lesions had completely resolved and the patient was doing well and remains normal 4 years later. This report emphasizes the importance of prompt, aggressive multi-modal therapy for MRSA and other dermal bacterial infections in pet birds that may represent zoonoses or have carrier-state zoonotic potential. Preparation by a compounding pharmacy of a transdermal poloxamer gel containing antibiotics shows promise for severe, infected, ulcerative skin lesions in birds when other therapies fail to achieve a cure.
ISSN:1082-6742
1938-2871
DOI:10.1647/2016-220