Extrapyramidal Side Effects in a Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) Treated with Amitriptyline

Extrapyramidal side effects were observed in a 17-year-old female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) that presented with an acute onset of dystonic reactions (repetitive and abnormal motions, head bobbing) and akathisia (restlessness, pacing) a few hours following a single partial dose of amitriptyline (5 mg/kg) orally. The patient was concurrently being treated with meloxicam (1 mg/kg PO q12h) and had previously been treated with hydroxyzine, prednisolone, leuprolide acetate, and deslorelin acetate, for chronic feather damaging behaviour.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research