• Canine • Feline • Other Mammals • Avian • Reptile

AVIAN CASE STUDIES


The Use of HEALx Booster to Control Anaerobic Infection in a Severely Wounded Amazon Parrot*

A 7-month-old rescued blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) had suffered severe injuries after falling into a frying pan with boiling oil. The bird lost one foot entirely and suffered reduced movements of the other foot, particularly the first and fourth phalanxes. The severe burn also deformed the cloaca, affecting its functionality.
After more than 8 procedures and surgeries to clean and correct the cloacal functionality (including the addition of lactulose to the daily chick formula), a smelly diarrhea (caused by anaerobic spore-forming bacilli) would recur from time to time. This condition would resolve only with administration of metronidazole and then only on a temporary basis. As soon as the metronidazole was discontinued, the infection would reappear within 2 days, and cloacoliths continued to form every 4 to 6 months. Euthanasia was seriously considered.
As a last resort HEALx Booster was added to the daily feeding formula. After 3 days the diarrhea and the foul smell were almost resolved, and after 1 week there was no sign of the previous disorder. The Booster resulted in complete control of the anaerobic infection.
The bird has been maintained on Booster twice a day for the last 10 months with no need for further antimicrobial treatment. The feather quality has improved during this time, and most importantly, the bird has had a good quality of life.

Before (Day 0) Fig 1. Shown is the blue-fronted Amazon as it appeared prior to the addition of Booster to the therapy. Note the black, broken and greasy-looking feathers.	Day 0 Fig 2. Prior to starting the Booster therapy, a Gram’s stain of the feces showed gram-positive bacilli with spores, which resulted in foul-smelling diarrhea and the formation of cloacoliths.	Day 3 Fig 3. Three days following the initial Booster treatment, the number of large gram-positive bacilli had decreased, and there was an absence of cocci. The presence of non-budding yeast in the Gram’s stain was from an ingredient in the chick formula.
Day 7 Fig 4. After 1 week of therapy with Booster, there was an absence of large gram-positive bacilli, and gram-positive cocci were seen in only small numbers.	Fig 5. During maintenance therapy with Booster, the Gram’s stain showed an approximate proportion of 70% regular-sized non spore-forming gram-positive bacilli and 30% gram-positive cocci.	Day 305 Fig 6. Following approximately 10 months with the addition of Booster, the black feathers have been increasingly replaced by silky bright green feathers.

*André Becker Saidenberg, DVM, MS, PhD candidate


The Use of HEALx Rain, Soother Plus and Booster for Tissue Damage in a Psittacine*

A small psittacine presented with an open wound on its right leg with muscles and deep tissues exposed. The lesion appeared seriously infected. The wound was cleaned daily, and HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically (q8h x 6 days, and then q12h x 6 more days). HEALx Booster was administered orally (0.2 ml daily). The owner also misted the bird with HEALx Rain every day to help clean and hydrate the lesion during the treatment. The bird not only stopped chewing the lesion from the very first day of treatment but healed completely.

BEFORE	AFTER

*Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Exoticos Vet Clinic, Palma de Mallorca, Spain


The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Cockatoo with a Severe Skin Lesion*

A 24-year-old female 400-g cockatoo was referred with a large, elevated lesion on the craniolateral aspect of the right tibiotarsus. The bird had been fed a seed diet. It received an injection of enrofloxacin and was sent home with oral and topical enrofloxacin.
Four days later laboratory tests revealed anemia as well as the presence of yeast on a fecal Gram's stain. An injection of vitamin A/D/E was administered, enrofloxacin was continued and Nystatin Oral Suspension was initiated. HEALx Soother Plus (q12h) was dispensed as the only topical therapy. Instructions to the owner included improving the bird's diet by decreasing the amount of seeds given and weaning it to a pelleted diet as well as offering a full-spectrum light.
Only slight improvement was noted at recheck 2 weeks later. Improvement continued slowly over the next 2 weeks, at which time Harrison's Bird Bread made with HEALx Sunshine Factor was added to the treatment protocol.
Three weeks later, the patient returned with complete resolution of the tibiotarsus lesion and an additional 15-g weight gain.

BEFORE (fig 1)	Fig 2	Fig 3	AFTER (fig 4)

*Stephen M. Wyler, DVM


The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster for Treatment of Mild Bilateral Pododermatitis in a Parrot*

A 7-year-old female Meyer’s parrot (Poicephalus meyeri) developed mild plantar pododermatitis on the proximal digital pad of both first phalanges. The epithelium showed thinning of the papillae with mild erythema and localized swelling (“Before” photos). HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied with a cotton swab to the affected lesions q24h, and Booster was administered orally (0.05 ml) q24h for 2 weeks. A plastic-on-plastic syringe was used to facilitate the administration of the Booster. Evaluation 6 weeks later showed resolution of the erythema and swelling and return of papillae (“After” photos).
Soother Plus was chosen for its topical pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties as well as for being nontoxic if ingested. Booster was chosen for its systemic anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Booster also contains beta carotene, which is important for epithelial turnover. The bird did not object to the taste of the red palm fruit oil. Initially, the bird reacted slightly to the application of the Soother Plus (pulling her feet away), but as the treatments progressed, she acclimated to the sensation. After release, she would groom her feet briefly.
The combination of a topical Soother Plus and oral Booster once daily with reduction of sedentary activity proved very satisfactory for the treatment of the mild pododermatitis lesions in this bird. Additionally, the owner appreciated not having to use more potent antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

BEFORE	BEFORE	AFTER	AFTER

*Laura Wade, DVM, ABVP (Avian)

Use of Sunshine Factor in an Amazon Results in Improved Plumage Color and Overall Health with Improved Gripping Ability*

March 31, 2006: A 25-year-old, 417-g Amazon was presented with bilateral cataracts, heavy bronzing in the feathers and difficulty perching. The bird was started on 0.25 ml AVIx Sunshine Factor PO daily and meloxicam at 0.1 mg/kg PO 1-2 times daily.

July 27, 2006: The owner noticed increased vision on the left side. A physical examination of the eye revealed a 50% reduction in the cataract size. Improved weight bearing was also observed. The dosage of AVIx Sunshine Factor was increased to 0.3 ml PO daily. Meloxicam continued to be administered (0.1 mg/kg PO daily to every other day).

November 20, 2006: A dramatic change in plumage was seen with decreased bronzing. The owner reported that the Amazon had an increased energy level throughout each day. Meloxicam was reduced to 0.1 mg/kg PO once weekly and the AVIx Sunshine Factor was continued at 0.3 ml PO daily.

Cholesterol Levels of the Amazon
March 31st - 936 mg/dL		May 26th - 764 mg/dL		June 30th - 224 mg/dL

BEFORE	white	AFTER

*Thomas Bankstahl, DVM, Director of Medical and Surgical Services
Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital, Clinton Township, Michigan


The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Falcon with a Deep Skin Lesion*

A peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) presented with a severe lesion affecting the tarsometatarsus skin and deep tissues. The area was cleaned, and scar tissue was removed. The lesions were covered with HEALx Soother Plus and gauze. Marbofloxacin FD was given for 1 week. The lesion was cleaned and rinsed, and Soother Plus was applied topically q12h. After 15 days, the lesion had closed.

BEFORE	AFTER

The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Pigeon with an Open Tarsometatarsus Fracture*

A pigeon was presented with an open tarsometatarsus fracture, and the proximal part of the bone was protruding. With the pigeon anesthetized, the fracture was cleaned, and an intramedular needle was surgically placed through the proximal joint. Because of the thin layer of tissues covering this part of the bird’s anatomy, there was no skin to cover the bone. HEALx Soother Plus was applied to the leg, and Combiderm sterile dressing was used to keep the Soother Plus in place. HEALx Booster (0.02 ml per 100 g q24h) was mixed with soft food and administered via a feeding tube. The pigeon was also given enrofloxacin. The bird was rechecked on Days 3, 5, 12 and 21. On Day 31, the needle was removed. The bone had healed; however, there was a small piece of dead bone that had sequestered through the hole. Soother Plus was applied daily and the apposite was used for 10 more days. On day 41, the recheck revealed that the lesion had healed completely and the pigeon was walking again. Other cases with similar clinical signs before the advent of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster resulted in amputation of the leg.

*Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Exoticos Vet Clinic, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Bird Case Report: Use of AVIx Soother Plus Cream with a Caique with an Ulcerative Wound

A white-bellied caique presented with a non-healing ulcerative wound of 1 year's duration. AVIx Soother Plus was applied twice-daily to the lesion, which completely resolved with topical therapy alone after 28 days of treatment.



*Thomas Bankstahl, DVM, Director of Medical and Surgical Services
Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital, Clinton Township, Michigan

The Use of HEALx Soother Ointment in a Harris hawk with a Severe Wing Lesion*

A Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) was presented with severe wounds from an attack by a wild animal. It had an infected severe lesion on the wing showing loss of skin and consequent exposure of deeper tissue and tendons with the potential for necrosis. The bird was in obvious pain, and amputation was to be considered if the wound did not heal well. The bird was placed under general anesthesia, and the lesion was cleaned and disinfected with a diluted solution of chlorhexidine. The skin was dissected to close the wound, as there was little skin left. A generous amount of HEALx Soother Ointment was applied topically and covered with gauze. The gauze was applied to the wound and covered with plastic film. The wing was dressed with co-adhesive material and left alone. No other analgesics were used. The animal received an injectable antibiotic. On recheck 1 week later, the wound was already healing.

BEFORE	DAY 0 (skin closure)	Soother and gauze applied
	Plastic film covering	DAY 7

*Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Exoticos Vet Clinic, Palma de Mallorca, Spain


The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Short-billed Corella with a Severe Bite Wound*

A 5-year-old, male short-billed corella (Cacatua sanguinea) was housed in a large community aviary with several other large parrots. During a routine assessment, the bird was observed fluffed and did not exhibit its usual active behavior. A clinical evaluation of the bird showed a large wound under its left wing extending down the left leg. It was assumed this severe injury was the result of a bite from another parrot in the aviary several days previously (Figs 1a,b). The wound was treated immediately with topical application of HEALx Soother Plus cream q12h. No other treatment was used. Within days, substantial healing was observed and by 10 days (Fig 2), the size of the wound was less than half the initial lesion. Further treatment with Soother Plus resulted in additional reduction of the wound size (Fig 3). When it was obvious the surrounding skin would not heal over the hip joint lesion, a surgical closure was performed (Fig 4). Prior to suturing, a large amount of Soother Plus cream was introduced into the wound. The suture site was treated topically with Soother Plus cream q24h for 20 days post surgery. The bird completely recovered (Fig 5).

BEFORE (day 0) Figs 1a & 1b. The short-billed corella presented with a severe bite wound		Day 11 Fig 2. The size of the wound was less than half the original lesion
Day 34 Fig 3. The wound continued to heal as shown	Day 39 (post surgery) Fig 4. Surgery was performed to close the wound	Day 104 Fig 5. The bird had completely recovered

*Friedrich Janeczek, Dr Vet Med


The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Robin with Plumage Disorders and Pruritus*

A 58-g American robin (Turdus migratorius) was presented with loss of feathering of 2 years’ duration, scabbing and pruritus of wing tips, and poor beak, skin, and nail quality. HEALx Booster (0.04 ml) was given PO q24h. HEALx Soother Plus (0.03 ml) was applied topically to the wings q12h. Ronidazole was administered q24h x 10 days (this had been given 2 years previously with no improvement). One month later, the owner reported regrowth of primary feathers and decreased pruritus. Booster was continued (0.04 ml PO q24h). The robin gained 2 g body weight over the next week. Increased plumage quantities and energy levels were observed. Little to no pruritus was seen. The bird was maintained on Booster (0.04 ml PO q24h). Three months later an excellent return of plumage was noted with improved beak and nails. The robin is maintained on Booster as a daily dietary supplement.

BEFORE	AFTER

*Thomas Bankstahl, DVM, Director of Medical and Surgical Services
Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital, Clinton Township, Michigan


The Use of Harrison’s Bird Bread Mix and HEALx Sunshine Factor for Treatment of Malocclusion and Malalignment of the Gnathotheca with the Rhinotheca in a Quaker Parakeet*

An 8-year-old Quaker parakeet presented for a swollen head and weakness of 3 days’ duration. The owner noted that the bird was unable to bite down hard and wasn’t eating. The bird’s diet consisted mainly of a seed mix and its favorite treat—shelled almonds.
On physical examination, the bird appeared slightly (~5%) dehydrated and was quiet but responsive. The bird also exhibited malocclusion and malalignment of the gnathotheca with the rhinotheca (Fig 1), had a very weak bite response (being unable to hold a cotton swab in its beak) and exhibited other neurologic signs, including clenched feet and mild ataxia. The bird’s neck was also bruised (Fig 2). Most notably, a bone from the hyoid apparatus was protruding ventral to the mandible (Figs 3, 4).

BEFORE Fig 1. Patient upon presentation, with malocclusion and malalignment of beak	Fig 2. Bruising along neck
Fig 3. Bone protruding from hyoid apparatus (arrow).	Fig 4. Lateral skull radiograph showing displacement of hyoid apparatus ventral to mandible (arrow)

Radiographs confirmed protrusion of the hyoid bone ventral to the mandible; no other abnormalities were noted. The patient was treated with meloxicam, along with Harrison’s Bird Bread Mix, HEALx Sunshine Factor (to make the Bird Bread) and HEALx Booster (0.02 ml PO q24h). The owner was also instructed to syringe feed Harrison’s Juvenile Hand Feeding Formula™ if the bird was not eating on its own.

Seven days later, the patient appeared much stronger, the swelling and bruising were improved, and the neurological signs were resolved. The owner reported that he had offered several types of soft food to the bird, but the only food the patient had chosen to eat at this point was the bread made with Harrison’s Bird Bread Mix and AVIx Sunshine Factor (Fig 5). Fourteen days after the bird’s initial presentation to the hospital, it was bright and alert, had significantly improved beak strength, and had gained 12 g. Its gnathotheca and rhinotheca appeared much better aligned (Fig 6), and the bird held a cotton swab in its beak with ease (Fig 7). On a phone follow-up, 21 days after the initial injury, the owner reported that the bird was repeatedly using its beak to climb around the cage and was again able to enjoy shelled almonds as a treat. Both bird and owner are thrilled with the speedy recovery and the easy transition to a better balanced diet.

DAY 14 Figs 1a & 1b. The short-billed corella presented with a severe bite wound

*Laurie Hess, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian)

The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Conure with a Severe Leg Disorder*

A sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis) presented with a leg in a severely traumatized condition due to constriction by pieces of string. The string was removed and the lesion was cleaned with diluted chlorhexidine. HEALx Soother Plus was applied with a dressing for 24 hours. By the next day the leg was much improved. The bandages were removed, and the cleaning and Soother Plus application were repeated. The bird was being fed a diet of seeds so these were mixed with Sunshine Factor at a dose of 10 ml per kg seeds. The leg was 80% healed by the end of the third day. No other treatment was given in this case.

BEFORE	DAY 4