Ronidazole Toxicosis in 3 Society Finches (Lonchura striata)

Abstract

A group of finches were accidentally overdosed with ronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole used for treatment of trichomoniasis. Finches developed neurologic signs on the third day of treatment and were euthanized (or died). Three finches were submitted for necropsy. Focal necrosis of the cerebellar nucleus was seen in all 3 birds, as characterized by neuronal necrosis, vacuolation of the neuropil, gemistocytic astrocytosis, hemorrhage, and axonal swelling (spheroids) with demyelination. The liver from 1 finch was analyzed for ronidazole and its metabolite, 2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Ronidazole was detected in the liver tissue at 2,700 ng/g (wet weight), and 2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole was detected at 140 ng/g (wet weight).

Comparative Study of the Histomorphological Structure of the Small Intestine of Lonchura striata and Copsychus saularis

“…It mainly feeds on grains, grass seeds, leaves, buds and other plant foods, especially rice, and occasionally some insects. It is easy to domesticate and can be used as an ornamental bird, with great economic potential and research value (Woods et al, 2010;Suzuki et al, 2012). Copsychus saularis is a member of the genus copychus of family Muscicapidae, with a body length of about 20 cm.…”