Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase enzyme inhibitor that is considered to be one of the most effective drugs used to decrease urate levels and is used in the treatment of
gout (acute attacks, tophi, joint destruction, and/or nephropathy). Allopurinol decreases the production of uric acid by stopping the biochemical reactions that precede its formation.
One 100 mg tablet can be crushed and dissolved into 10 ml of sterile water. Up to 1 ml of the diluted mixture can be added to 30 ml of drinking water. Drinking water should be replaced several times a day. Within 2 to 3 days of administering the drug, uric acid levels in serum and urine should be noticeably reduced. When poultry are severely affected, the initial dose should be 25% less than the recommended dose, and gradually increased over several days.
Caution Extra attention should be made towards ensuring that any birds taking this drug are always provided constant unrestricted access to a source of fresh, clean water. It is important because allopurinol can potentially be nephrotoxic to poultry if they get dehydrated.
