Pet Health Articles
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Pet birds not raised with other birds typically bond to their owners and may not want to live with another new bird. If you feel your bird is lonely or bored, first consider providing more enrichment in the form of safe toys and entertainment. Teaching your bird how to forage is extremely beneficial for his/her overall well being. If you decide you want to introduce another bird into your household, be sure you are ready to take on the work of caring for more than one bird and be certain to introduce the new bird slowly. All new birds should be checked by a veterinarian before being introduced, and the new bird should be quarantined in a separate, isolated room within the house for 30-45 days. Some birds may never accept new birds in their territories. Consult your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems.
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Isoxsuprine is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessel walls outside major organs. It has been used to help treat frostbite in birds and certain conditions in dogs. There are no isoxsuprine products that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it must be compounded in the United States.
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Itraconazole is given by mouth in the form of a capsule, tablet, or liquid to treat fungal infections in cats and for off-label treatment in dogs and small mammals. The most common side effects are anorexia, vomiting, liver toxicity, skin lesions, or limb and vessel swelling. It should not be used in pets with liver disease or low stomach acid production, and used with caution in pregnant, lactating, or pets with heart disease.
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Kaolin + pectin (brand names: Kaopectolin®, Kao-Pec®, KaoPect®, Kao-Pront®, Kaogel®) is a gastrointestinal protectant that is used to treat diarrhea and certain toxicities in cats, dogs, horses, birds, ferrets and other small mammals.
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Ketoprofen is given by mouth in the form of a capsule or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It’s use in animals is off label. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Kidney disease is relatively common in birds, especially budgies, and may present as an acute or chronic problem. Many signs of kidney disease are non-specific. This handout explains these signs, as well as how kidney disorders in birds can be diagnosed and treated.
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Knemidokoptic Mange also called "cere mites" or "scaly leg and beak mite," is a relatively common disorder of the beak and/or feet in several species of small pet birds. It is caused by a mite that typically affects canaries, cockatiels and parakeets.
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Lactated Ringer's solution (also known as LRS or Ringer's Lactate) is a fluid and electrolyte (salt) replacement solution used to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances in cats, dogs, birds, pocket pets (small mammals), and other animals. Lactated Ringer's solution comes in injectable form.
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Lactulose is used off label and is given by mouth to treat high blood ammonia levels and constipation in dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. The most common side effects are diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal cramping. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with intestinal blockage/obstruction.
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Lead is a common household hazard for birds. Due to their curious, inquisitive nature, companion birds can be exposed to lead around the house. Lead causes heavy metal poisoning, affecting the blood, nervous system, and gastrointestinal system. Lead poisoning can be fatal if not treated.