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Birds + Medications & Supplements

  • Insulin is injected under the skin to treat diabetes, ketoacidosis, and high potassium levels. Side effects may include low or high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and skin allergic reactions to the injections. Do not use in pets who are having an episode of low blood sugar and do not use pork insulins in pets with a pork allergy.

  • NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedron) insulin is an injectable medication used in cats, dogs, birds, ferrets, and horses with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels and for long-term maintenance therapy of diabetes mellitus. Monitor closely for signs of low blood sugar (weakness, lack of energy, lethargy, stumbling or difficulty walking, behavior changes, muscle twitching, seizures, and/or unresponsiveness).

  • Ceftiofur crystalline free acid (Excede®) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections in horses, cattle, swine, rabbits, birds, and other animals. There are various formulations of this medication (HCl, sodium, CFA). Ceftiofur crystalline free acid comes in an injectable form. Do not inject into a vein or artery – sudden death may occur.

  • Diazepam (brand names: Valium®, Diastat®, E Pam Tab®, Meva®l, Vivol®) is used as a muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety medication, appetite stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication. It is also used as a preanesthetic in hospital. It is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Ronidazole is an antiprotozoal, antiparasitic medication given by mouth and is used off label to treat Tritrichomonas infections in cats and pet birds, and to treat giardia in dogs and cats. Ronidazole is given by mouth in the form of a capsule or liquid.

  • Chloramphenicol (brand names Chloromycetin®, Viceton®) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections in many species. Chloramphenicol comes as tablets, capsules, liquid suspension, and in an injectable form (chloramphenicol sodium succinate). Injectable forms will be administered by your veterinarian.

  • Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used on and off label. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat pain and inflammation. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Do not use this medication in pets with bleeding disorders, in pets that are allergic to it or other NSAIDs in the same class, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Gemfibrozil is a medication prescribed off-label by veterinarians to treat high levels of fat (lipids) in the blood of dogs and cats when dietary modifications have not been effective. Occasionally, it is also used in birds for the same purpose. As a relatively new drug in veterinary medicine, its benefits, side effects, and adverse effects are still being determined.

  • 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.

  • Allopurinol is an oral medication typically used to prevent uric acid and calcium oxalate stones in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat leishmaniasis and gout in dogs and other species.