Oral Aqueous Solution
Haloperidol is a human antipsychotic drug used on a limited basis for the treatment of self-mutilation and severe feather plucking in psittacine birds.
It is important to keep careful records of the dosage of drug given, as well as any side effects noted.
Please do not hesitate to contact our clinic with any questions or problems.
Administration
Oral Haloperidol is a clear, tasteless drug that can be administered directly into your bird’s mouth or given in a small treat such as fruit or fruit juice.
It may also be given by soaking it into a small piece of bread, cookie, cracker, or other food that will be entirely consumed by the bird.
It must be given as close to every 12 hours as possible.
Initial Dose
Less than 1000gm body weight: 0.01cc, or .02mg, per 100gm.
More than 1kg body weight: 0.075cc, or .15mg, per 1kg.
Try to dose at exactly 12-hour intervals.
Keep collar or bandages on until drug dose is stabilized.
Use initial dose for 2 days before evaluating dose.
If appetite is depressed, decrease total dose by 0.01cc.
If appetite is absent for more than a day, discontinue and retry at a lower dose in a few days.
If no appetite suppression occurs, maintain at initial dose for four days and then remove collar or bandages.
If further picking or mutilation occurs, increase the total dose in 0.01cc increments.
Wait at least 2 days between dosage adjustments to determine efficacy.
I have not had to exceed the total dose by more than 2 times the initial dose.
When to Discontinue
Discontinue drug if neurological signs develop including shaking, ataxia, lack of coordination, and vomiting.
Side Effects
Common side effects noted with Haloperidol are anorexia, lethargy, and restlessness.
More severe side effects can include severe depression or seizures.
If side effects are mild, keep the bird on his/her current dosage of Haloperidol for at least two days to allow the body to adjust to the dosage.
