Giardia Troph Infection

Question
I have had my parakeet for about 9 months.  He became sick with giardia troph infection, which affects the liver. It's a type of parasite that's caused by contaminated water.  I've always kept his cage clean, changed the water regularly, etc.  My vet prescribed Metronidazole, grapefruit extract and Lactulose.  Do you know how long it will take for my bird to have normal health again? Every day he gets a little better.  He loves to fly around and is very happy doing so. I trust my vet (sort of) but would like other opinions.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi, Jessica.  Thanks for posting.

I cannot say how long it will take your keet to recover.  This depends on many factors.  Also, I'm not an avian vet and since your bird is being treated by an avian vet, I have to assume he knows what's best for your bird.  If he's getting a little better every day, the treatment must be working.    

I will tell you that contaminated water doesn't necessarily mean that you don't provide clean, fresh water.  A bird can contaminate his own drinking water by dipping it's beak with food all over it in the water dish to take a drink!  Small amounts of food stay in the water and bacteria starts to grow.  Then the bird drinks the water and gets sick with bacteria.  So, don't necessarily blame yourself for your bird's illness.    

I hope all goes well with your keet.

Chrys