Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of amoxycillin in the treatment of an experimental Streptococcus bovis infection in racing pigeons (Columba livia).
The pharmacokinetics of amoxycillin in pigeons (Columba livia) and the efficacy of amoxycillin treatment in pigeon streptococcosis, were investigated. After intravenous administration of 150 mg.kg-1 amoxycillin, the drug plasma concentration-time profile fitted an open two-compartment model. Amoxycillin was quickly cleared from the circulation with a mean half-life of 66 min and showed a distribution volume of 0.9 L.kg-1. The absolute oral bioavailability of amoxycillin was 50.1%. A 5-day drinking water treatment with amoxycillin (1500 mg.L-1, corresponding to 112.0 mg.kg-1.day-1 during day-light hours) significantly reduced the postinoculation morbidity in pigeons experimentally infected with Streptococcus bovis, compared to untreated infected controls.