Library
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Ascorbic acid (also known as Vitamin C) is an essential vitamin needed to maintain good nutrition and a healthy immune system. Some animals, such as guinea pigs, need ascorbic acid added to their diet as they cannot produce it on their own. It is used to treat scurvy in guinea pigs, as an antioxidant for certain toxins that cause methemoglobinemia in cats and dogs, and as a stool softener in rabbits.
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Aspergillosis is a severe and sometimes life-threatening fungal infection that commonly causes respiratory disease in pet birds. Infected birds may show tail bobbing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Aspergillosis is a challenging disease to treat and difficult to cure. In many cases, referral to an avian specialist is advised.
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Atropine ophthalmic (brand name Isopto Atropine) is an eye medication used to enlarge the pupil. It is used off label (extra label) only, in all veterinary species of animals. Atropine ophthalmic comes in a drop, solution, or ointment form, which is placed directly into the eye.
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Avian flu (also known as highly pathogenic avian Influenza or HPAI, avian influenza, or bird flu) is a viral infection caused by influenza type A viruses. It primarily affects wild birds and domestic poultry. The H5N1 strain is of particular concern because it can spread rapidly and potentially infect non-avian species, including mammals like dogs, cats, zoo animals and some wild carnivores. During outbreaks, keep pets and livestock away from wild birds and their droppings.
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Azithromycin (brand name Zithromax® or Zmax®) is a broad spectrum antibiotic used for a variety of infections in dogs and cats. It is also used for certain infections in horses, cattle, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. Azithromycin is given by mouth or injection.
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Bathing is very important for the proper maintenance of feathers. The dry air in our homes created by central heating and air conditioning is not conducive to the maintenance of healthy feathers and skin, so pet birds should be encouraged to bathe at least three to four times a week. This handout provides helpful tips and safety precautions for bathing your bird.
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Overgrown nails may can become get caught or trapped on toys or parts of the cage and cause tearing/bleeding, creating a severely painful event. Toenail trimming may be done at home, but only when taught by an experienced bird breeder/owner or avian veterinarian. Beaks should not be trimmed regularly unless performed by an avian veterinarian.
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Birds may bite for many reasons; learning to recognize warning signs can help prevent this behavior. Screaming in birds is a natural way for birds to communicate with each other, but it could also be a health issue. This handout outlines how to understand and address these behaviors in birds.
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A blood feather or pin feather is a new feather growing on a bird. Blood feathers are a normal part of feather maturation. When feathers first erupt from the skin, they contain blood. Injury to the feather as it grows may cause the blood feather to become broken, causing blood loss that may require emergency treatment.
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Budgerigars (parakeets) originated in the grasslands of Australia. In the wild, they eat a variety of seeds as well as natural vegetation. Pet budgies fed an all-seed diet may develop a number of nutritional deficiencies. It is recommended to feed a mix of pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
