Over the past two years, Belmont University\u2019s College of Pharmacy has been working closely with the Nashville Zoo\u2019s Veterinary Services to provide\u00a0an answer to a research question that could help zoos across the globe provide better care for their lorikeets. Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. Steven Stodghill and several \u00a0students have been working with the zoo\u2019s flock of over 80 lorikeets to conduct their research and come up with a reliable conclusion.<\/p>\n
The goal of the study is to discover how large a dosage of the drug ponazuril lorikeets need to protect them from Sarcocystosis, a seasonal parasitic disease, without overdosing them. The drug is given to the lorikeets regularly and up until this point, few studies have been conducted to determine the actual amount needed. Once the results are in, findings will be shared in the Exotic Animal Drug Formulary for use by other zoos that keep their lorikeets in an outdoor aviary environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccuracy of dosing is critical for accurate treatment,\u201d Director of the Nashville Zoo\u2019s Veterinary Services Dr. Heather Robertson said in a post on the Zoo\u2019s blog. \u201cIf you overdose, you could cause other unintended health concerns. If you under dose, you are not treating appropriately which isn\u2019t helping the animal improve. The results derived from this research will positively impact institutions housing parrots and lorikeets around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information on this research project, visit the Nashville Zoo\u2019s blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Over the past two years, Belmont University\u2019s College of Pharmacy has been working closely with the Nashville Zoo\u2019s Veterinary Services to provide\u00a0an answer to a research question that could help zoos across the globe provide better care for their lorikeets. … Continue reading