Selected Clinical Case Studies HEALx and AVIx products have been used in thousands of clinical cases in hundreds of different species. Extensive field testing has been conducted throughout the world by international veterinarians, as demonstrated in these case reports. Click here to go to a list of selected peer-reviewed publications that support the scientific claims.
Contents Canine Cases Non-healing Wound in a Whippet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ulcerative Dermatitis Case in a Bichon Frisé . . . . . . 5 Terrier with Seriously Infected Lesions . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Infected Skin Lesion in a Border Collie . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bichon Frisé with Multiple Sebaceous Adenomas . . . 8 Black Labrador with Poor Quality Coat . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Canine with Allergies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cocker Spaniel with a History of Chronic Skin Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Lhasa Apso with Necrosis of the Skin, Fat and Muscle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Severe Burn Wounds on a Canine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Canine with a Severe Anal Lesion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Canine with Leg Wound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Feline Cases Bilateral Pruritic Lesions in a Sphynx Cat . . . . . . . . Non-healing Wound in a Sphynx Cat . . . . . . . . . . . Domestic Cat with Severe Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . Domestic Cat with a Severe Bite Wound . . . . . . . .
16 17 18 19
Equine Cases Horse with a Serious Bite Wound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Rabbit Cases Dental-related Abscess in a Rabbit . . . . . . . . . . . . Severe Rabbit Pododermatitis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alopecia in a Rabbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rabbit with a Severe Bite Wound . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rabbit with Vestibular Syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rabbit with a Molar Abscess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rabbit with an Anal Prolapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rabbit with a Dental Abscess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rabbit Pododermatitis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Extensive Osteomyelitis of the Mandible Following Periapical Infection in a Mini Lop Rabbit . . . . . . . Total Ear Canal Ablation in a Pet Rabbit . . . . . . . . Bite Wound in a Rabbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chin Dermatitis in a Pet Rabbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Surgical Excision of a Facial Abscess in a Mini Lop Rabbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Permanent Rhinostomy in a Pet Rabbit . . . . . . . . . Zygomatic Abscess Involving the Nasolacrimal Duct in a Pet Rabbit . . . . . . . . . . .
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
Abscess of the Maxillary Recess in a Pet Rabbit . . . Extensive Facial Surgery in a Mini Lop Rabbit . . . . Rabbit with Bumblefoot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rabbit with an Abscess on the Face. . . . . . . . . . . . Rabbit with a Lumbar Wound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37 38 39 40 41
Ferret Cases Ferrets with Itchy Skin and Poor Quality Coats . . . . Ferret with Skin Lesions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anal Prolapse in a Ferret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dental Procedures in a Ferret. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ferret with Hormonal-related Alopecia. . . . . . . . . . . Ferret with Unusual Skin Lesions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42 43 44 45 46 47
Other Mammal Cases Non-healing Wound in a Chinchilla . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Chinchilla with Fungal Skin Lesions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Alopecia in a Hamster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Spiny Mouse with a Severe Bite Wound . . . . . . . . 51 Leopard with a Severe Bite Wound . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Upper Respiratory Infection in a Rat . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Hamster Abscess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Russian Hamster with a Tumor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Hedgehog with Mites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Deer with Poor Quality Coats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Nonhuman Primate with Alopecia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Porcupine with Alopecia and Skin Lesions . . . . . . . 59 White Rhinoceros with Leg Lesions . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Extraoral Extraction of a Maxillary Cheek Tooth in a Guinea Pig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Guinea Pig with Mite Infestation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Deer with Alopecia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Avian Cases Chronic Infections and Return to Quality of Life for a Macaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Falcon with a Deep Skin Lesion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cockatiel with Bumblefoot/Pododermatitis . . . . . . . Mite Infestation in a Budgerigar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caique with a Non-healing Ulcerative Wound . . . . . Amazon with Bilateral Cataracts, Bronzing Feathers and Poor Gripping Ability . . . . . . . . . . . Robin with Plumage Disorders and Pruritus . . . . . . Goshawk with a Severe Leg Injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pigeons Infected with Poxvirus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pigeon with an Open Tarsometatarsus Fracture . . . 73 Tissue Damage in a Psittacine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Hawk with Bumblefoot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Conure with a Severe Leg Disorder . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Falcons with Poxvirus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Sparrow with a Broken Leg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Gyrfalcon with a Severely Prolapsed Oviduct . . . . . 79 Cockatoo with a Prolapsed Oviduct . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Hawk with a Fracture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 African Grey with an Infected Lesion. . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Harris Hawk with a Severe Wing Lesion. . . . . . . . . . 83 Mild Bilateral Pododermatitis in a Parrot. . . . . . . . . 84 Budgerigar with a Bleeding Mass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Cockatoo with a Severe Skin Lesion. . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Lovebird with Significant Head and Foot Trauma. . . . 87 Malocclusion and Malalignment of the Gnathotheca with the Rhinotheca in a Quaker Parakeet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Short-billed Corella with a Severe Bite Wound. . . . . 89 Harris Hawk with Severe Lesions on the Tibiotarsus . . 90 Cockatiel with Nylon Thread Tied Around Its Toe. . . . 91 Cockatiel with Severe Bite Wounds on Its Legs . . . . 92 Anaerobic Infection in a Severely Wounded Amazon Parrot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 African Grey Parrot with a Severe Skin Lesion . . . . . 94 Budgerigar with a Skin Lesion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Patagonian Conure with a Cloacal Papilloma. . . . . . 96 Duck with Severe Dermatologic Lesions . . . . . . . . . 97
64 65 66 67 68
Reptile Cases Gecko with Skin Lesions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Tortoise with Erythema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Severe Bite Wounds in a Tortoise. . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Iguana with Dysecdysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Sulcata Tortoise with a Severe Bite Wound. . . . . . 102 Iguana with a Chrysosporium Anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii Infection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
69 70 71 72
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veterinarians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . References and Further Reading . . . . . . . . . . Harrisons’ Pet Products Catalog . . . . . . . . . . .
Individual results may vary. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
104 105 126 128
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Non-healing Wound in a Whippet 速
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A 5-year-old neutered male whippet presented with a leg wound secondary to impact trauma from a car. On Day 0, after a 14-day history of a non-healing, granulating wound while on antibiotic therapy, HEALx Soother Plus was added topically q8h as
the exclusive topical medication. On Day 26 all oral medications were discontinued, and Soother Plus was applied q8h as the only treatment modality until the final wound healing. 速
速
Day 0
Day 9
Day 39
Day 58
Day 72
Day 86
4
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in an Ulcerative Dermatitis Case in a Bichon Frisé ®
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A 2-year-old Bichon Frisé mix presented with ulcerative moist dermatitis secondary to a burn from a dog bark collar. The dog was treated with oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and HEALx Soother
before
Plus q12h. The topical application of Soother Plus provided immediate pain relief and accelerated healing. ®
®
recovering
5
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus, Sunshine Factor and Rain in a Terrier with Seriously Infected Lesions ®
®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 2-year-old, 22-kg female American Staffordshire terrier was presented with seriously infected lesions after breast feeding her puppies for 3 weeks. Treat ment included administration of an oral antibiotic (Baytril injectable 2 ml 5% x 2 days followed by oral
tablets 150 mg x 5 days). HEALx Rain topical spray was used to clean and hydrate the lesions, and HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically (q12h). HEALx Sunshine Factor (15 ml) was given orally as a daily dietary supplement. ®
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before
Day 19
after
6
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in an Infected Skin Lesion in a Border Collie ®
T.r. Stechschulte, DVM
A border collie presented with a lick granuloma on its leg that cultured positive for pilosebaceous hamartoma. The benign wound was completely excised. The sutures were removed by the dog and the wound was not resutured. HEALx Soother Plus ®
was applied to the wound for 2 weeks. Soother Plus was used as the only modality in this case; no anti biotics or pain medications were administered. In 1 month there was complete resolution and new hair growth.
®
Patient eating Sunshine Factor.
®
after surgery - wound sutured closed (day 0)
sutures ripped out (Day 3)
Day 28
7
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Bichon Frisé with Multiple Sebaceous Adenomas ®
T.r. Stechschulte, DVM
A 12-year-old Bichon Frisé was presented with multiple sebaceous adenomas. A large abraded adenoma was excised, but surgical closure was not possible due to the margin of surgery required.
before
A large area of granulated exposed tissue was not healing. An Elizabethan collar was used with a treatment module of hydrotherapy and the application of HEALx Soother Plus (q12h x 12 days). ®
after - day 12
8
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in a Black Labrador with Poor Quality Coat ®
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A 5-year-old male black Labrador was presented after recent adoption. Its clinical signs included being overweight, lacking energy, intermittent limping on rear leg, hair loss and dull brittle coat. It was on over-the-counter vitamin and joint supplements and a prescription weight-loss food. At the time of exam, it was converted to an organic diet, started on Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes/Probiotics (¼ teaspoon per 30 pounds q24h) and Animals’ Apawthe
before
cary Detox Blend (2 ml PO q12h). For the coat, HEALx Sunshine Factor was administered (1½ teaspoons q12h with food). After the use of these dietary changes, the dog lost 5 lb, its energy level increased and its coat changed from dull black to shiny. The owner believes strongly that the addition of the Sunshine Factor made a tremendous difference in his dog’s overall health, and it continues to take the supplement daily. ®
®
after
9
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor for Treatment of a Canine with Allergies 速
Kirsten Love, DVM
A 6-year-old spayed female therapy dog that had suffered from allergies for several years was presented for chronic atopy and secondary pyoderma on the abdomen. Numerous medications and therapies had been tried with no lasting success. The dog was started on HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.1-0.3 ml per lb body weight q24h). The owner was very 速
before
after
pleased at the 1 month update because the hot spots, infected skin odor and pruritus had resolved completely. The most amazing response was that the dog needed its first grooming appointment in years because its hair had resumed growing. If the dog stops taking the Sunshine Factor, the itching and sores return in less than a week. 速
before
before
after
10
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster in the Treatment of a Cocker Spaniel with a History of Chronic Skin Problems ®
Ariana Finkelstein, DVM
A 15-year-old neutered male cocker spaniel had a history of chronic skin problems (e.g., moist dermatitis, superficial and deep pyoderma including MRSA diagnosed by culture and sensitivity) and recurrent urinary tract infections. Over the previous 3 years, the dog had been periodically treated with cephalexin, clindamy cin, enrofloxacin and doxycycline in addition to topical sprays, bathing and essential fatty acid supplementation. The dog also had a history of
glaucoma and inflamed keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS); cataracts were removed several years prior. At the time of presentation, the dog was receiving 3 types of eye drops and 1 ocular ointment daily as well as essential fatty acids for the skin and glucosamine for its joints. HEALx Booster was begun q24h while all other medication protocols remained unchanged. After 6 weeks, all antibiotic treatment was discontinued This was the first time ®
before
before
after
after
after
after
in almost 3 years that the dog was able to be antibiotic free for more than a 2-week period. Antibiotics were restarted 4 months later for a 2-week period of time. Additional antibiotic regimens have been kept to a minimum, and MRSA has not been isolated again to date. No additional urinary tract infections have been reported since Booster was started. Booster is easy to administer, as the dog seems to accept the taste of it. ®
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11
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Lhasa Apso with Necrosis of the Skin, Fat and Muscle 速
T.r. Stechschulte, DVM
A 10-year-old, spayed female Lhasa Apso was presented with bruising and localized necrosis of the skin, fat and muscle from a bite wound. Initial treatment included cefovecin and carprofen. After debridement, the protocol was switched to enrofloxacin, tramadol and HEALx Soother Plus applied
topically (q12h). A 2% chloroxylenol surgical scrub was also used q12h. Five days later, the puncture wounds were more defined. After 2 weeks, the wound showed good granulation and had significantly reduced in size.
速
before - day 0
recovering - day 16
12
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in the Treatment of Severe Burn Wounds on a Canine ®
J ulie Clark-Blount, DVM
As the result of a house fire, a 4-week-old hound suffered 3rd and 4th degree burns on its lower back, head and face. The scar tissue on its lower back was surgically debrided; however, the animal’s owner didn’t see much healing following this therapy.
Later, HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied topically to the burned area q24h. The owner remarked how the skin seemed to be healing faster in the first week after application. ®
Day 0
Day 8
Day 19
Day 40
Day 45
Day 145
13
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Canine with a Severe Anal Lesion 速
速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 37-kg German shepherd suffered severe trauma that resulted in an open wound near its anus. The owner was told by his local veterinarian that there was no solution to the problem. The owner contacted us in desperation with a full case description and photos. We recommended the dog be treated orally
before (day 0)
day 131
with HEALx Booster (30 ml PO q24h) and topically with HEALx Soother Plus cream (q24h). No other treatment modalities were used. Due to our distance from the patient, surgery was not an option. But the dog responded well to our recommendations and no side effects have been noticed. 速
速
day 161
14
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Canine with Leg Wound 速
速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 5-month-old canine presented with an injury from a car accident. There were no broken bones, but the skin was badly damaged. The wound appeared to be infected and was cleaned with sterile fluids and
before
dried. Soother Plus was applied topically and twice a day for the next 10 days. Sunshine Factor was given daily (20 ml q24h). 速
速
day 10
15
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in the Treatment of Bilateral Pruritic Lesions in a Sphynx Cat 速
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A 1-year-old ELF (sphynx x American curl cross) presented with bilateral pruritic lesions on the pinnae of the ears after shipping from a breeder. The lesions were erythematous and edematous. HEALx
Soother Plus was used as the sole modality and applied topically q8h to the lesions. Initial control of pruritus was excellent, and the lesions resolved within 5 days. 速
Day 1
Day 3
16
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Non-healing Wound in a Sphynx Cat 速
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A sphynx cat was presented with a non-healing wound that cultured positive for stenotrophomonas maltophilia. It was treated for 14 days with traditional oral and topical antibiotics, including Silvadene cream (silver sulfadiazine) q12h, without resolution. 速
Topical therapy was changed to HEALx Soother Plus (q12h) at Day 0. Upon changing to Soother Plus, the cat stopped excoriating the wound, the Elizabethan collar was discontinued, and excellent granulation and contracture proceeded as seen below. 速
速
Day 0
Day 1
Day 6
Day 11
Day 17
Day 32 - no recurrence
17
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Domestic Cat with Severe Burns 速
Barry K. Orange, DVM
An 8.8-lb domestic short-haired cat, approximately 1-2 years old, presented with severe burns from a radiator. The burned areas were debriding. The cat was initially treated with clavamox (62.5 ml PO q12h), silver sulfadia-
zine cream (q12h) and meloxicam (0.1 ml q24h). After almost 1 month without any resolution and very limited granulation, all treatment was discontinued. HEALx Soother Plus (applied topically q12h) was used as the only 速
Before
Day 0
Day 17
Day 34
Day 40
Day 57
treatment modality until healing. Amitriptyline HCl (12.5 mg PO q12h) was added in the last week of treatment. The wound showed rapid contracture with the addition of the Soother Plus as it healed. 速
18
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Domestic Cat with a Severe Bite Wound 速
速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A domestic cat presented with severe bite wound from another animal. The wound appeared to be infected and was cleaned with sterile fluids and
Day 0
Day 7
Day 10
dried. Soother Plus was applied topically and twice a day for the next 10 days. Sunshine Factor was given daily (2 ml q24h). 速
速
Day 17
Day 21
19
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Spray in a Horse with a Serious Bite Wound ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A horse was presented with a bite wound on the neck. The wound was cleaned, and HEALx Soother Spray was applied before suturing. Soother Spray was used on the exposed tissues q12h thereafter; no other treatment was given. The horse did not bother the wound, and the sutures remained intact. The ®
®
before
owner had no problems spraying the horse with the Soother Spray because the sprayer did not make any sound to startle the animal. The Soother Spray provided analgesia and accelerated the healing. After 3 weeks, there was little evidence of the original injury. ®
®
3 weeks after
20
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in Post足operative Treatment of a Dental-related Abscess in a Rabbit 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
The osteomyelitic area of the dental abscess was remarkable even if not diffuse, and the site of marsupialization was very large after surgical debridement. While culture and sensitivity results were pending, no antibiotics were administered. Local
flushing with saline, cleaning of the debris and application of HEALx Soother Plus were performed q12h. Complete healing of soft tissues and fur regrowth were achieved in less than 3 weeks using only HEALx Soother Plus. 速
速
post-surgery (day 0)
Day 3
Day 10
Day 12
Day 15
Day 20
21
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in Severe Rabbit Pododermatitis ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A rabbit was found in a dumpster in appalling condition. Its foot pads exhibited severe dermatitis due to poor hygiene and contact with feces and urine. Deep tissues and tendons had been affected, and the prognosis was very poor. The treatment was long and difficult, but without the help of HEALx, the rabbit would
before
likely have been euthanized. The rabbit was given enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg IM q24h) for the first 10 days and HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.3 ml PO q24h). HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically to the wounds q12h. After the first 2 weeks, the rabbit was given 10 more days of enrofloxacin (100 mg/L of drinking ®
®
water) and Sunshine Factor (0.3 ml PO every other day) until the wounds had healed. The combination of Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor along with good cleaning practices enabled us to achieve healing in this extreme dermatologic case. ®
®
®
after
22
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in the Resolution of Alopecia in a Rabbit 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 2-year-old female rabbit presented with alopecia over a large area on the lower neck. HEALx Sunshine Factor was administered daily (0.4 ml PO). 速
before
After only 3 weeks, the rabbit returned for a recheck and, with no other treatment, the hair had grown back and the entire coat was looking healthier.
after
23
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster Concentrate, Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Rabbit with a Severe Bite Wound ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 1-year-old rabbit was presented after being severely attacked by dogs. When rabbit skin is punctured or otherwise damaged, the lesions often become contaminated, and pus accumulates under the skin. Dog bites are extremely difficult to treat because of the bacteria involved. In this case, several bites on the head had
before
become seriously infected, and the rabbit’s overall condition was deteriorating. Aggres sive surgery was performed to remove the dead tissue, and a surgical drain was left in place. However, this was insufficient to keep the infected lesions clean, so treatment with HEALx Booster Concentrate was instituted (starting with 2 pellets orally per day). A sec-
ond surgery was performed 3 days after the first. The wound was cleaned and left partially open, and HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically q12h. HEALx Sunshine Factor was administered daily (0.4 ml PO), and the injuries healed with no other treatment. ®
®
®
4 weeks after
24
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster Concentrate and Sunshine Factor in a Rabbit with Vestibular Syndrome ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 3-year-old female rabbit with an acute head tilt was referred from another veterinary hospital where it had been given antibiotics, antiinflammatory drugs and fluids. The animal was so severely affected that it was incapable of standing. The antibiotics were continued on a daily basis with the addition of daily supplements of vitamin B complex, HEALx Booster Concentrate (2 pellets q24h for the first day ®
before
and then 4 pellets q24h on Day 2) and HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.4 ml PO q24h x 3 days). The rabbit was also given diazepam for the first 2 days to help with the anxiety that the condition caused in the animal. After 3 days, the rabbit began to show some improvement, as it had started to stand up and walk, although it still had a head tilt. It was sent home on a oral dose of Booster Concentrate (2 pellets q24h) plus ®
®
Sunshine Factor (0.5 ml PO q24h). The owner reported continued improvement. Vestibular disease has a high fatality rate in rabbits. Often a parasite, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, is blamed, but bacterial infections, nerve inflammations and weakness are also involved. Two cases have recovered completely with this therapy, even with a return of the head to the normal position. ®
after
25
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster in a Rabbit with a Molar Abscess 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Dental disease in rabbits can present as molar abscesses. This condition requires aggressive surgery, but the animals need a quick recovery in order to return to normal eating patterns. A 3-year-old female rabbit had clinical signs of dental disease affecting its molar roots. Surgery was performed to remove pus and
before
dead tissue from the wound as well as from the first 2 lower molars and infected mandibular bone. Following surgery, antibiotics were administered parenterally each day while supplementing the diet with a daily oral dose of HEALx Booster (0.4 ml PO x 3 weeks, and then twice a week for 4 more weeks). At
recheck 2 weeks after removing the sutures, the owner reported that the rabbit had been eating better than before and was much improved. It was even accepting HEALx Booster from a syringe on its own. 速
速
after
26
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Rabbit with an Anal Prolapse ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Prolapses in young rabbits or ferrets usually happen as a consequence of a weak anal sphincter. Treating both the animal’s weak condition and the prolapse is essential to success. A 1-month-old baby rabbit was presented with a history of anal prolapse, weakness and clinical signs of dehydration. The animal was in very poor condition; the abdomen was swollen
before
from the presence of gas in the GI tract due to an improper diet, and the feces were soft. The animal was initially treated with fluids, a parenteral antibiotic (enrofloxacin) and prokinetics (metoclopramide). HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically once to the mucosa, which was very inflamed and irritated. The Soother Plus treatment was repeated 12 hours ®
later. The rabbit was examined 36 hours after it was admitted to the clinic, and the anus looked almost completely normal. The animal began eating and its feces’ consistency returned to normal. It was released back home after 4 days.
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recovering - day 4
27
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Rabbit with a Dental Abscess ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Dental disease is a common problem in rabbits fed an improper diet. Molar and incisor disorders usually result in the formation of abscesses. Aggressive surgical treatment has proved to be the only successful way of treating this condition, but this procedure often involves removing bone, dental tissue and infected soft tissue. Use of antibiotic-impregnated PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) beads has shown some positive results, although it is inconvenient because the beads are left in place. Thor ough cleaning, removal of all infected tissue
before
and giving the animal good support might be keys to eliminating the use of PMMA beads. A rabbit was presented with a mandibular abscess that originated from infection of an incisor root. In order to access the deepest region of the tooth, it was necessary to remove most of the mandibular bone in that location. The first lower right molar was also removed during surgery because it was infected. HEALx Soother Plus was applied to the suture line to help provide local analgesia and promote healing of the skin. HEALx Booster was adminis®
tered orally daily (0.4 ml per 2 kg body weight twice a week x 3 weeks) to help heal the tissues and improve the immune response. In less than 24 hours after surgery, the rabbit was eating again. The sutures were removed in 8 days, and a recheck was scheduled for 3 weeks postsurgery. At recheck, the bone had already started to fill the mandibular deficit, and there were no signs of infection. The rabbit continued to receive Booster (0.4 ml per 2 kg body weight twice a week x 2 weeks). ®
®
after
28
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in Rabbit Pododermatitis ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Rabbits often present with lesions from being housed on a wet substrate, which causes them to lose the hair that protects their feet. The skin can then quickly become inflamed and damaged. In this case, a 1.2-kg rabbit was presented with pododermatitis. The lesions were cleaned and HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically. ®
before
Sunshine Factor (0.4 ml PO) was administered in the examination room. The owner was advised to continue applying the Soother Plus topically (q24h) and giving the Sunshine Factor (0.4 ml PO q24h). After 7 days, the animal was re-checked to determine if bandages were needed. The lesions were beginning to ®
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day 7
heal, and the same treatment was continued. Fourteen days later, the lesions were almost gone and hair was starting to cover the feet. At Day 21, the feet looked almost normal. The frequency of Sunshine Factor was reduced to 3 times a week at the same dose as a dietary supplement, and Soother Plus was discontinued. ®
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after - day 21
29
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus for Postoperative Management of Extensive Osteomyelitis of the Mandible Following Periapical Infection in a Mini Lop Rabbit 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
A 3-year-old female mini lop rabbit was presented for anorexia. The physical exam revealed the presence of a large swelling ventrolateral to the body of the left mandible. Intraoral inspection and skull radiographs demonstrated a severe periapical infection and extensive osteomyelitis of the body of the mandible. The owners declined computed tomography for diagnosis and prognosis, and exploratory surgery was performed.
Excision of the abscess, extraction of the diseased teeth and thorough debridement of the osteomyelitic bone were performed in a routine manner. The osteomyelitic cavity was wide and deep and surrounded by a round, thick periosteal reaction. Extensive marsupialization was attempted, even though the prognosis was considered guarded. HEALx Soother Plus was administered topically q12h. The rabbit was discharged on anti速
day 0
day 7
Day 12
Day 21
Day 28
Day 42
biotic (procaine penicillin 40,000 IU/kg q24h SC) and analgesic (meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg q12h PO) therapy. Rechecks for cleaning the surgical site were scheduled every other day. On Day 12, the black bone was debrided step by step. At 6 weeks, the black necrotic bone was almost completely debrided, and the ulceration was significantly reduced in size. Control radiographs are pending.
30
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus During Postoperative Treatment of Total Ear Canal Ablation in a Pet Rabbit 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
An 8-year-old male lop rabbit was presented for a second opinion. Previous treatments (general and local antibiotics, flushing of the ear canal) did not improve the situation. The rabbit was affected by a chronic, septic otitis externa and media, involving both the vertical and horizontal portions of the ear canal and the tympanic bulla, as demonstrated by radiographs. Total ear canal ablation and lateral access to the tympanic bulla were performed. The owners declined culture and sensitivity testing. The patient was sent home with antibiotic (procaine
penicillin, 40,000 IU/kg q24h SC) and analgesic (meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg q12h PO) therapy. The owners were taught to perform local flushing of the suture margins and to topically apply HEALx Soother Plus. Frequent rechecks for flushing of the tympanic bulla were scheduled, including removal of sutures in 12 days. Three weeks later, the rabbit was presented with a complication: A collection of pus was present, and the overall swelling and edema were closing the bullectomy site. A portion of the skin was surgically resected, and the under速
day 0 (surgery 1)
day 7
Day 12
Day 21 (surgery 2)
Day 35
Day 65
lying tissue was kept open for secondary healing. Mild compression of the ear pinna was performed by attaching small soft plastic tubes to the surface with 3.0 polypropylene suture. Systemic antibiotic treatment, frequent flushing with 0.1% dilute chlorhexidine and saline solution and application of Soother Plus were continued. The tubes were removed 10 days later. One month after the second surgery, the ear pinna was almost completely healed. Signifi足 cant reduction in size of the stoma is a frequent outcome due to scar retraction. 速
31
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in Postoperative Treatment of a Bite Wound in a Rabbit 速
Inge Thas, DVM
An 11-week-old rabbit presented with a bite wound inflicted by the doe 3 days prior. By the time of presentation the wound was already infected, and the skin flap was partially devitalized. Surgical treatment involved excising of devitalized tissue, debriding and cleaning the wound and suturing the remaining skin using a 4-0 monofilament absorbable suture (poliglecaprone 25). Because of the severity of the wound, the rabbit was hospitalized for 1 week.
Initial treatment included daily saline flushing of the wound and topical application of HEALx Soother Plus. The wound was covered with a clean, dry bandage to prevent further contamination and trauma. During hospitalization, enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg SC q24h) and carprofen (4 mg/kg SC q24h) were administered. Due to pain concerns, buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg SC q12h x 3 days) was also given. The rabbit's appetite, fecal output and body weight 速
pre-surgery (day 0)
post-surgery (day 0)
Day 7
Day 14
Day 21
Day 28
were monitored during hospitalization. After 7 days the rabbit was sent home on oral meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg q24h) and oral enro足floxacin (10 mg/kg q24h). Weekly rechecks showed a quick healing of the wound. On day 14 antibiotics and NSAIDs were discontinued, and treatment was continued with only application of Soother Plus (q12h). By day 28 wound closure was complete, and no further surgical treatment was needed. 速
32
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus for Treatment of Chin Dermatitis in a Pet Rabbit 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
A 7-year-old male rabbit was presented for a regular checkup. On physical examination, severe dermatitis of the chin was evident. The chin glands of rabbits are specialized submandibular glands opening onto the ventral surface of the mandibular region, which can occasionally be affected by dermatitis. More frequently, dermatitis of the chin and dewlap is
day 0
secondary to excessive salivation following dental disease. This rabbit had a mild malocclusion of the cheek teeth, but slobber was not present. No clinical signs of mange were evident. The owner declined further investigation; therefore, a tentative diagnosis was made of primary dermatitis of the chin gland area of unknown origin.
Systemic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment was not administered, and the rabbit was treated topically only with 0.1% chlorhexidine and HEALx Soother Plus (q12h). The dermatitis healed very quickly and almost completely with just pinpoint crusts still being present 1 week later. The owner reported complete fur regrowth 2 weeks later. 速
day 7
33
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus for Wound Management Following Surgical Excision of a Facial Abscess in a Mini Lop Rabbit 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
A 5-year-old female mini lop rabbit was presented with a huge facial swelling on the right masseteric region. The intraoral inspection demonstrated dental disease, in particular excessive elongation of the right maxillary first and second cheek teeth, with subsequent ulceration of the buccal mucosa. The physical exam combined with a full set of skull radiographs led to the tentative diagnosis of a non-periapical, dental-related facial abscess.
Surgical procedures included excision of the entire abscess together with its capsule, debride足 ment of the zygomatic area, and marsupialization of the skin to the surrounding peiosteum and muscular fascia. Non-periapical maxillary facial abscesses often have a wide base; therefore, cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues were insufficient for a complete suture. The defect was expected to heal by secondary intention with frequent flushing and topical application
pre-surgery
surgery
day 0
Day 10
of HEALx Soother Plus (q12h). The rabbit was sent home on antibiotic (procaine penicillin, 40,000 IU/kg q24h SC) and analgesic (meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg q12h PO) therapy. The owner missed the first recheck because he believed the rabbit was healing fine. Ten days later, the exposed area had significantly reduced; it was less deep and covered by granulating tissue; the fistula healed. The owner reported a complete healing less than 1 week later. 速
34
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus during Postoperative Treatment of Permanent Rhinostomy in a Pet Rabbit 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
A 5-year-old male rabbit with a long history of advanced dental disease was presented for a regular recheck. In the past the rabbit had required teeth extraction, treatment of multiple facial abscesses, frequent teeth coronal reduction and periodic treatment for chronic purulent rhinitis. Currently, labored breathing and nasal discharge had increased during the previous 3 weeks. Bilateral purulent nasal discharge and subsequent dermatitis were visible. Computed tomography of the skull showed severe empyema of the nasal cavities and the maxillary recesses, deviation of the nasal septum and severe abnormalities of the nasal turbi-
nates. Rhinotomy and temporary rhinostomy were planned. Following the surgical approach to the dorsal nasal region, the nasal bones were cut. The bone flap was reflected caudally, allowing full bilateral access to the nasal cavities and indirect access to the maxillary recesses. The cavities were thoroughly inspected, cleaned and rinsed with saline. Following the insertion of two drainage tubes, the bony flap was repositioned. Six days later, removal of the tubes and sutures revealed necrosis of the bony flap. Surgical debridement was scheduled. The necrotic bony flap was removed. Incomplete
day 0 (surgery 1)
day 6
surgery 2
Day 11
Day 19
Day 71
suturing was performed to keep the skin in touch with the underlying normal bone and periosteum and to allow flushing of the nasal cavities. The rabbit received antibiotic and analgesic therapy. HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically (q12h) to enhance healing of both the margins of the nasal bones and the skin. The suture was removed 5 days later. Good initial healing was visible, and both nasal discharge and breathing had improved dramatically. On Day 19, the patient was breathing normally and all treatment was discontinued. By Day 71 the clinical signs of chronic rhinitis were under control. 速
35
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus During Postoperative Treatment of a Zygomatic Abscess Involving the Nasolacrimal Duct in a Pet Rabbit 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
A 7.5-year-old, 0.9-kg dwarf male pet rabbit was presented for a facial swelling in the zygomatic region. Skull radiographs showed acquired dental disease of the right maxillary first and second cheek teeth. A combined intraoral and extraoral approach to the dental disease and zygomatic abscess was planned. Intraoral extraction of the two pre-surgery
affected right maxillary cheek teeth was performed. Marsupialization of the surgical site was performed to allow healing by secondary intention of the deep oral/extraoral fistula, which also involved the nasolacrimal duct. In addition to antimicrobial (procaine penicillin, 40,000 IU/kg q24h SC) and analgesic (meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg q12h PO) therapy, HEALx
surgery
Day 8
Soother Plus was applied topically to promote healing (q12h). Eight days post surgery, the suture was removed, and the opening had reduced both in depth and width. The fistula and the extraoral stoma healed, leaving just a small shallow area. 速
Day 0
Day 201
36
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster Concentrate during Postoperative Treatment of an Abscess of the Maxillary Recess in a Pet Rabbit ®
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Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
A 7.5-year-old, 2-kg female rabbit was presented for a large facial swelling. The lump was located over the zygomatic region, causing mild exophthalmus. Skull radiographs showed acquired dental disease of the right maxillary arcade involving the alveolar bulla and the maxillary recess (commonly named "sinuses"). A combined intra- and extraoral approach to the intracavitary empyema was planned. Intraoral extraction of the right maxillary cheek teeth did not allow access to the septic cavity.
Surgical debridement of the septic cavity was performed, allowing indirect access to the maxillary recess and the alveolar bulla. Marsupialization of the cranial zygomatic opening was performed to allow flushing of the deep oral/extraoral fistula. In addition to antimicrobial (procaine penicillin, 40,000 IU/kg q24h SC) and analgesic (meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg q12h PO) therapy, HEALx Soother Plus (q12h) was applied topically to promote healing. The extraoral access was kept open to enhance heal®
pre-surgery
day 0 (surgery)
Day 7
Day 12
Day 18
Day 24
ing of the deep portion of the fistula entering the maxillary recess. Five days later, both the fistula and the stoma were healing and narrowing. Because daily flushing and topical application of Soother Plus were more difficult, Booster Concentrate beads were introduced into the fistula and maxillary recess with a small forceps. Soother Plus continued to be applied topically. After 21 days, the fistula has completely healed, and the fur was regrowing. ®
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37
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus for Wound Management after Extensive Facial Surgery in a Mini Lop Rabbit 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
A 2-year-old female lop rabbit was presented with a large facial swelling. The lump extended over the entire left masseteric region. The intraoral inspection demonstrated dental disease, in particular, excessive elongation of the left maxillary first cheek tooth with subsequent ulceration of the buccal mucosa. The physical exam combined with a full set of skull radiographs led to the tentative diagnosis of a non-periapical, dental-related facial abscess. The large swelling was an odontogenic abscess but not of periapical origin. A spur from the maxillary CT1 caused infection of the buccal mucosa, leading to the abscess. Com足
plete removal of the abscess led to wide exposure of the masseter muscle, the masseteric fossa, the zygomatic area and the caudal portion of the buccal area. Due to the impossibility of marsupialization of such a wide defect, a plastic surgical reconstruction of the skin was attempted. The fistula was kept open for further flushing. The rabbit was sent home on antibiotic (procaine penicillin, 40,000 IU/kg q24h SC) and analgesic (meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg q12h PO) treatment. Three days post-surgery revealed failure of the plastic surgical procedure, as a large portion of skin had become necrotic. The
pre-surgery 1
day 0 (surgery 2)
day 3
Day 8
Day 13
Day 18
necrotic flap of skin was removed, and the defect was left open to heal by secondary intention with frequent flushing and application of HEALx Soother Plus (q12h). A adequate layer of crust was present 3 days later. Eight days after surgery, bleeding and granulating tissue were visible, and necrosis was limited to the area immediately around the fistula. The rabbit ate on its own soon after surgery, and pain medication was discontinued. Antibiotic treatment was discontinued 5 days later. Complete healing was achieved at Day 18, with minimal scar retraction of the skin and of lower eyelid. 速
38
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Rabbit with Bumblefoot ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A rabbit presented with bumblefoot resulting from direct contact of the foot with feces and urine for several days. Rabbits’ feet are different from those of other small mammals, such as guinea pigs and chinchillas. Rabbits have a hair-padded plantar surface, which protects their skin from humidity and dirt. If the hair becomes wet and dirty for too long, it falls out and the plantar skin becomes exposed to aggressions. It is common to see lesions in rab-
day 0
bits that have lost the hair on their feet, especially in obese animals. Because of the anatomy of a rabbit, lesions can progress quickly and affect the bone and tendons. As a consequence, rabbits suffering from bumblefoot often must be euthanized. Treating the wound properly and immediately, providing the nutrients the skin needs and keeping this area protected are the keys to success. We have achieved great success combining
daily cleaning of the wound, application of HEALx Soother Plus cream under bandages and oral administration of HEALx Booster (0.5 ml for 1500 g body weight PO). The animal must be kept clean and dry, and the bandages should be removed immediately if they become wet. No antibiotics or other medications were used in the case described. Three bandage changes were performed in the first week. ®
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day 7
39
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Rabbit with an Abscess on the Face ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 5-year-old, 1.6 kg female rabbit presented with an abscess on the face. The animal was eating well, but the owner was still concerned. Surgery was recommended to open and removed necrotic tissue. The rabbit was anesthetized with a combination of injectable ketamine (5 mg/kg) and medetomidine (35 µg/kg). The necrotic tissue
was surgically removed, and the cavity was disinfected with a dilution of sterile saline and chlorhexidine. HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied topically to the area after surgery, and the owner continued to apply it to the lesion twice a day. After 6 days, the lesion had almost healed completely. ®
pre-surgery
post-surgery
day 0
Day 6
40
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Rabbit with a Lumbar Wound 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 3-year-old male rabbit presented with an unusual wound in the left lumbar region. There was a slight hematoma and the skin was thin. The wound was cleaned with sterile saline and a quaternary ammonium disinfectant and wound was closed with sutures.
before
HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied topically to the area, and the owner continued to apply it to the lesion twice a day. The sutures were removed by the rabbit, but the skin had closed completely after 1 week. 速
day 7
41
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in Ferrets with Itchy Skin and Poor Quality Coats 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
One of the uses of HEALx Sunshine Factor is to treat animals with dry, itchy skin. Lack of humidity and diet deficiencies are the primary causes of itchy skin and scratching. Clinicians may suspect mites in ferrets and start a treatment against those. We have proven that although most, if not all, of these cases might indeed have a mite infestation, they get better 速
before
just by starting them on a daily dose of Sunshine Factor. Animals on a deficient diet and housed in a dry environment are susceptible to allergic dermatitis, parasites and bacterial and fungal infections. On the contrary, healthy skin is more resistant to environmental aggressions and is likely to act as a barrier against most of these agents. Not only did the 速
owners of these ferrets report that the animals stopped scratching, but the coat became shinier and thicker. Ferrets easily accept Sunshine Factor, and some owners use it as a reward for good behavior. We use a 0.3 ml daily dose for each 500 g body weight for 2 weeks, then reduce the frequency to a 3 times per week for lifelong maintenance. 速
after
42
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor and Soother Plus in a Ferret with Skin Lesions 速
速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A ferret was presented with serious skin lesions on its right leg. The ferret was treated orally with HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.4 ml PO q24h) for the first 3 weeks and then at the 速
same dose 3 times a week until final resolution at 3 weeks. HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically to the irritated skin q12h at the beginning of the treatment, then once a day. 速
before
Day 7
Day 21
Day 55
Although the ferret had been without hair in that area for almost a year, the skin condition and hair growth in the legs improved greatly.
43
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in an Anal Prolapse in a Ferret
速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
I have treated many anal prolapses in young and adult ferrets with the use of sutures and HEALx Soother Plus. This combination works very well for most cases unless the lesion on the anal sphincter is severe. In most cases the mucosa is inflamed due to frequent efforts to 速
before surgery
defecate, especially in weak animals. In this case, sutures were placed around the prolapsed anus, and a small amount of Soother Plus was applied inside the rectum. A fecal examination was performed to rule out parasites. After only 14 hours, the sutures were 速
10 minutes after surgery
removed, and the prolapse had almost disappeared. Soother Plus was applied to the outside surface for 2 days and was the only treatment modality used. 速
14 hours later
44
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus for Dental Procedures ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A ferret presented with a necrotic canine tooth that had to be extracted. After the tooth was removed, HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied topically to the extraction site. The animal started eating the same day of the procedure. The owner continued to apply Soother ®
Plus at home (q12h x 5 days). After 5 days, the site of the extraction had healed. Soother Plus is a very useful nontoxic product for use following any dental cleaning procedure, dental extraction or dental correction in small mammals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rodents and ®
®
rabbits, to provide analgesia to the gums and prevent infections and calculus deposition. It has been shown that animals recover faster and tartar does not accumulate as quickly if Soother Plus is applied frequently after dental cleaning procedures. ®
45
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in an Ferret with Hormonal-related Alopecia ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Ferrets are usually neutered before they are purchased. This allows them to be kept as pets without the hormonal problems associated with estrus in females; it also reduces the odor of males. However, removing the gonads at a young age has a side effect. Many ferrets develop adrenal gland tumors after 3 years of age. The most common clinical signs are sea-
sonal lumbar and tail alopecia in both males and females, an enlarged vulva in females and an enlarged prostate in males. Annual administration of hormones helps prevent this disease. The use of HEALx Sunshine Factor as a daily supplement may also help reduce skin and coat disorders. Ferrets, regardless of size, are given 0.7 ml
before
Day 21
Day 35
Day 62
®
Sunshine Factor daily for a month and then 0.4 ml every other day as a maintenance dose. In this case, a 2-year-old female ferret received no hormonal treatment because it recovered well with only the Sunshine Factor. In other cases, we combine Sunshine Factor (0.4 ml q24h PO) with an injection of leuprolide acetate (Lupron ). ®
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46
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster in a Ferret with Unusual Skin Lesions ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 1-year-old female ferret presented with unusual skin lesions, but the cause could not be determined. There were no parasites and no bacterial or fungal growth. The ferret’s skin would change from normal to irritated and inflamed in a 24-hour period. The affected area varied (e.g., legs, feet, face, belly). No clear diagnosis was made. Empirical antibiotic ther-
apy did not resolve the issue. HEALx Booster (0.4 ml q24h PO) was added to the ferret’s diet, and a dose of prednisone (0.4/kg q24h) was administered. Some improvement was seen within the first week. The prednisone dose was reduced after 2 weeks (0.2/kg q24h) and then reduced further after 1 month (0.2/kg q48h) until it was finally
before (day 0)
day 0
Day 31
Day 62
®
discontinued after 2 months. The ferret’s skin and coat improved, and eruptions of the skin lesion became rare. Presently, the ferret has been clear of lesions for 2 months. It is still given Booster (0.4 ml PO 3 times a week), although no other drugs are being used. ®
47
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Non-healing Wound in a Chinchilla ®
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A 2-year-old chinchilla presented with a 2- x 4-cm ulcerated area extending through the skin and subcutis to the muscle layer in the right flank region. Surgery was performed and the tissue was resected. A 3-layer closure with 4-0 PDS was performed, and the tissue was submitted for histopathology. Histopathology revealed severe, diffuse, pyogranulomatous and fibrosing dermatitis and cellulitis with degenerate neutrophils suggestive of bacterial
infection. The chinchilla was placed on enro floxacin (10 mg/kg q12h) and meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) daily. Over the next 15 days, the wound was reopened due to self-trauma several times and was cleaned, debrided and resutured each time; an Elizabethan collar was also applied. Cisapride (0.4 mg/kg) and trime thoprim-sulfa (30 mg/kg q12h) were added to the therapy without results. Although the owners elected for humane euthanasia at this point,
Day 0
Day 8
Day 13
Day 20
Day 27
Day 38
a clinical trial with HEALx Soother Plus was offered. All oral medications (including anti biotics) were discontinued except butorphanol (0.25 mg/kg q12h x 9d). Soother Plus was applied topically q8h to the entire wound, which controlled pruritus and self-excoriation throughout the healing process without the use of an Elizabethan collar. Following completion of the butorphanol therapy, Soother Plus was continued q8h until healing resulted. ®
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48
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in a Chinchilla with Fungal Skin Lesions ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Fungal skin lesion cases are commonly presented in chinchillas, guinea pigs and rabbits. This condition is usually treated with aggressive oral treatment, which can compromise the function of internal organs. Often improper nutrition is at the root of these cases, and improving the animal’s diet will often resolve the issue. The treatment protocol for fungal
before (day 0)
day 6
skin lesion cases is to add HEALx Sunshine Factor to the animals’ diet and see if there is resolution within 2-3 weeks. In this case, a chinchilla presented with a skin lesion, in which a hair sample was cultured for dermatophytes. The animal was administered Sunshine Factor (0.2 ml q24h PO x 2 weeks) as a daily supplement to its diet. ®
The lesions not only stopped growing but also disappeared, and the skin and coat improved. Dosing recommendations for Sunshine Factor are: mice = 0.1 ml daily, rats = 0.1-0.3 ml daily, chinchillas = 0.2-0.4 ml daily and rabbits = 0.3-0.5 ml daily. ®
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day 12
49
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster in the Resolution of Alopecia in a Hamster 速
Renata Schneider, DVM
An adult male hamster weighing 157 g presented to the Wildlife Care Center for alope足cia between the shoulder blades. A DTM test and a skin scraping were negative. A biopsy revealed hyperplastic dermatitis with hyperkeratosis and bacterial colonization. Treatment
with trimethoprim-sulfa (TMS, 30 mg/kg PO q12h) was begun. On recheck 2 weeks later, the skin had not improved. HEALx Booster (0.1 ml per 100 g body weight q12h), a dietary supplement, was added to the treatment protocol. A recheck in 9 days showed improved skin 速
quality; it was decided to continue treatment with TMS and Booster. There has been no further dermatitis, and treatment was discontinued less than 4 weeks after presentation. 速
Photo unavailable.
50
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Spiny Mouse with a Severe Bite Wound 速
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A spiny mouse (Acomys cilicicus) was attacked by a cage mate and sustained severe damage behind its head. HEALx Soother Plus was applied q12h to the 速
before
open wound as the only treatment modality. After only 1 week of application, the wound was almost completely healed without infection.
recovering
51
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster and Soother Spray in a Leopard with a Severe Bite Wound ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A circus leopard was presented on an emergency basis for a bite wound affecting the perianal region. The tail had been completely chewed off by a tiger in the neighboring cage, and muscles were so exposed that insufficient skin was available to close the wound completely. Fecal material had infected the area. All of the dead tissue was removed. The exposed muscles were cleaned and the skin
before
was dissected so it could be stretched to cover as much of the lesion as possible. HEALx Soother Spray was mixed with enrofloxacin and applied q2h throughout the first week and then q8h while the animal was recovering. The mixture was refrigerated between treatments. HEALx Booster (8 ml) was mixed with chopped quail meat and administered daily for 3 weeks. The animal was in so ®
®
much pain that it refused to eat for the first 2 days. An antibiotic was injected daily, but no other medications were used. The lesions healed, and after only 17 days a thin layer of skin covered the exposed muscle tissues. After 5 weeks hair began to grow back along the edges.
after - day 80
52
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster in the Resolution of an Upper Respiratory Infection in a Rat ®
Renata Schneider, DVM
A young domestic male rat weighing 32 g presented to the SPCA Wildlife Care Center of Fort Lauderdale. There were no significant findings on physical examination. After a quarantine period of 30 days it was sent to the domestics ward pending adoption. Approxi mately 6 weeks later, the rat showed clinical signs of an upper respiratory infection. A treatment protocol of doxycycline (PO q12h for 21
days) and enrofloxacin (PO q12h for 7 days) was instituted. The rat was nebulized daily with a saline, Mucomyst, aminophylline and gentamicin mixture. The rat also started oral treatment with HEALx Booster (0.04 ml PO q24h). On recheck 3 weeks later there were no more clinical signs and the medications were discontinued; however, Booster (0.1 ml PO q24h) was continued for 1 more week. The ®
Booster was discontinued at that time, and the rat was clinically clear of infection. It was adopted into a home 2 weeks later, and the new owner reported no further problems. Two months later the rat was neutered and did well under anesthesia with a smooth recovery. Its weight was 240 g. ®
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This is an example of a rat eating the Booster for an upper respiratory infection; however, it is not the rat from this case.
53
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Hamster Abscess ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A hamster was presented with a facial abscess in which pus from sinusitis had perforated the skin and resulted in an open lesion. The lesion was cleaned, debrided and disinfected with a solution of quaternary ammonium and bigua nidine compounds (5.8%) nontoxic ampholytic
before
surfactants and sequestrants, flushed with sterile fluids and sutured with 5-0 non-resorbable suture. The owner cleaned the sutures daily with sterile fluids and applied HEALx Soother Plus (q12h x 5 days). Soother Plus seems to provide the needed analgesic effect to reduce ®
®
irritation of the sutures. HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.1 ml PO q24h ) was administered to aid in healing. In 7 days, the lesion had healed and the sutures were removed. The owners are continuing to give Sunshine Factor (0.1 ml PO 1-2 times per week) for maintenance. ®
after
54
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Russian Hamster with a Tumor 速
速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 2-year-old female Russian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) presented with a large mass attached to the lateral aspect of its front right leg. The mass was determined to be a tumor, and surgery was performed for removal. HEALx
Soother Plus cream was applied topically to the lesion as a healing agent and to provide local analgesic effect. HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.1-0.2 ml q24h PO) was also administered as a nutritional supplement. 速
before
day 0 (after surgery)
Day 14
Day 31
速
55
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in a Hedgehog with Mites ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 1-year-old hedgehog was presented with signs of a mite infestation. The animal had lost 80% of its spines and had lesions affecting most of the skin surface. The hedgehog was treated with ivermectin (0.04 ml SC) and a daily dose of HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.4 ml ®
before
PO x 2 weeks). After 2 weeks the spines were growing back, and a second dose of ivermectin was administered. The owner reported that the hedgehog easily accepted the Sunshine Factor. The Sunshine Factor was continued at the same dose for 2 more weeks. One month fol®
®
lowing the initial visit, the spines were almost completely grown back. The animal was given Sunshine Factor (0.3 ml) 3 times per week for 1 more week; then the frequency was reduced to twice a week for maintenance. ®
after
56
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in Deer with Poor Quality Coats 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A group of 6 deer from the Safari Portocristo Mallorca (zoo) had poor coat and skin quality. The animals had lost hair due to the seasonal change, but new hair was not growing back well and the skin looked unhealthy. HEALx Sunshine Factor was 速
before
added to their diet (20 ml/animal q24h x 2 weeks). After 8 days, new hair started to grow back, and by Day 17 they all looked much better. The Sunshine Factor frequency was reduced to twice a week for maintenance. 速
after
57
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in a Nonhuman Primate with Alopecia 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 20-year-old mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) in a zoo began showing clinical signs of poor coat quality and alopecia in selected areas of the back and neck. The diet was supplemented with HEALx Sunshine
Factor (10 ml PO q24h for 22 kg body weight). Within 2 months the skin condition had improved, and the hair had grown back. 速
before
before
after
after
58
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in a Porcupine with Alopecia and Skin Lesions 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A European porcupine (Hystrix cristata) presented with localized pruritus and alopecia on the thorax and neck. The diet was supplemented with HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.6 ml PO q24h). Shortly thereaf-
ter, the skin condition improved, the hair grew back, the scratching stopped and the animal no longer showed any clinical signs of discomfort.
速
before
after
59
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a White Rhinoceros with Leg Lesions ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 12-year-old female African white rhinoceros had lesions on the back part of its left rear leg. Dead tissue and pus were removed from the damaged and infected skin. The wound was cleaned and disinfected using a solution of quaternary ammonium and biguanidine compounds (5.8%) nontoxic ampholytic surfactants
before
day 12
and sequestrants combined with insecticide and rinsed after 10 minutes. HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically to the damaged area. The zookeeper continued this treatment every day for the next week. Sunshine Factor was administered (100 ml PO q24h) with food. After 1 week, the leg looked better; new skin ®
®
was starting to grow. The Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor treatment was continued. After 2 weeks, the skin had healed and no additional treatment was required. The rhinoceros is maintained on Sunshine Factor as a dietary supplement (100 ml PO twice a week with food). ®
®
®
after - day 19
60
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus for Wound Management after Extraoral Extraction of a Maxillary Cheek Tooth in a Guinea Pig 速
Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal)
A 3.5-year-old male guinea pig was presented for a second opinion after extraction of the first maxillary cheek tooth. The owners reported reduced food intake and noted a facial swelling in the zygomatic area. Oral endoscopy showed mild malocclusion of the cheek teeth, and the clinical crown of the right maxillary cheek tooth was absent. Radiographs demonstrated a remaining reserve crown of the tooth that had undergone extraction, and a periapical reaction suggestive of a granuloma. An extraoral approach to extraction of the surgery
day 0
Day 3
Day 18
tooth fragment was planned. The lump was surgically exposed, but it was determined that it was not an abscess because excision of the capsule did not reveal the presence of pus. After careful luxation, the cheek tooth fragment was successfully extracted. The surgical site was thoroughly debrided, and marsupialization was performed. Treatment included an antimicrobial (enrofloxacin, 10 mg/kg q12h PO), an analgesic (meloxicam, 0.2 mg/kg q12h PO), frequent flushing with saline, and topical application of HEALx Soother Plus (q12h) in order to enhance 速
healing of the surgical site. Three days after surgery, the marsupialization site had not reduced in size, but a deep layer of granulating tissue was already present. The guinea pig was examined under anesthesia in a follow-up 12 days after surgery. The defect was filled in with newly formed tissue. A week later, the surgical site had healed almost completely; however, histopathology of the tissue surrounding the extracted tooth revealed a locally invasive odontoma, and owners elected euthanasia.
61
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster in a Guinea Pig with Mite Infestation 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 800-g guinea pig presented with mite infestation. Treatment included an initial injection of ivermectin (0.05 ml SC) and HEALx Booster (0.4 ml PO q24h x 2 weeks). A repeat injection
速
before (day 0)
of ivermectin was given at the same dose. In my experience, animals with mites improve much faster with the addition of Booster than with the ivermectin injection alone. 速
after (day 62)
62
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in Deer with Alopecia 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A group of deer had alopecia. HEALx Sunshine Factor was added to their diet (20 ml/animal q24h x 2 weeks). After 1 week, new hair started to grow 速
before
back, and after 3 weeks the hair had grown back. The Sunshine Factor frequency was reduced to twice a week for maintenance. 速
after
63
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster Concentrate, Soother Ointment and Sunshine Factor in the Resolution of Chronic Infections and Return to Quality of Life for a Macaw ®
®
®
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
An emaciated 70-year-old green-winged macaw (Ara chloropterus) was given HEALx Booster Concentrate in conjunction with other therapies (e.g., NSAIDS). This macaw was maintained using HEALx Booster Concen trate, which kept chronic long-term infections ®
®
before
under control. HEALx Sunshine Factor was administered daily for its antioxidant, immunosupportive, cardio-protective, and antiinflammatory effects. With continued therapy, NSAIDs were eventually decreased and discontinued. AVIx Soother ointment ®
was rubbed into the feet topically q12h, which when combined with physical therapy, allowed this bird to return to standing as well as return to gripping, perching and manipulation of food and foot toys. These products allowed for a return of overall quality of life.
recovering
64
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Falcon with a Deep Skin Lesion ®
Alfonso Bañeres De la Torre, DVM
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 at a dose of one 5-mg tablet per day 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
65
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Cockatiel with Bumblefoot/Pododermatitis 速
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
HEALx Soother Plus was used as the only treatment modality in the resolution of the infectious and inflammatory components in this case of bumblefoot in a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus). Soother Plus 速
was applied q12h. Clinical improvement was seen within 7 days, and the lesions were resolved by Day 14. No oral medications were given.
速
before
after
66
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor and Soother Plus in the Treatment of Mite Infestation in a Budgerigar ®
®
Jennifer Periat, DVM
A 30-g budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) was presented for possible mites (presumed but not confirmed to be Knemidocoptes sp.) and skin infection on its feet and beak. Tracks from mites were observed under magnification. The bird was given a guarded prognosis due to the extent of damage to the skin and beak tissue.
Ivermectin (1:4 dilution, 0.01 ml applied transdermally weekly) and enrofloxacin (0.45 mg PO q12h) were administered. In addition, HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.02 ml PO q24h) was given, and the feet and beak were topically treated with HEALx Soother Plus applied q12h. Within 14 days, the bird’s feet were 99% ®
®
back to normal, the beak had cleared up and the bird looked and acted normally. The addition of Sunshine Factor and Soother Plus seemed to speed recovery and resolution of clinical signs, including improvement of appetite and overall demeanor, faster than traditional ivermectin protocol alone. ®
®
67
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Caique with a Non-healing Ulcerative Wound ®
thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A white-bellied caique (Pionites leucogaster) presented with a non-healing ulcerative wound of 1 year’s duration. HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically ®
before
q12h to the lesion, which completely resolved within 28 days using Soother Plus topical cream as the only modality. ®
after
68
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in an Amazon with Bilateral Cataracts, Bronzing Feathers and Poor Gripping Ability ®
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A 25-year-old, 417-g Amazon (Amazona sp.) was presented with bilateral cataracts, heavy bronzing in the feathers and difficulty perching. The bird was started on HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.25 ml PO q24h) and meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg PO q12-24h). Four months later the owner noticed increased vision on the left side. ®
before
A physical examination of the eye revealed a 50% reduction in the cataract size. Improved weight-bearing was also observed. The dosage of Sunshine Factor was increased to 0.3 ml PO q24h. Meloxicam dosing was able to be reduced (0.1 mg/kg PO q24-48h). After 4 months of daily Sunshine Factor, a dramatic
recovering
®
®
change in plumage was seen with significant 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 as needed with an average dose interval of once weekly, and the Sunshine Factor was continued at 0.3 ml PO q24h. ®
before
after
69
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Robin with Plumage Disorders and Pruritus ®
®
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
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 (10 mg/kg PO ®
®
before
q24h) 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. ®
®
after
70
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Goshawk with a Severe Leg Injury ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) was presented with a severe leg injury showing loss of skin and consequent exposure of deeper tissue and tendons with the potential for necrosis. The bird was placed under general anesthesia, the lesion was cleaned and HEALx Soother Plus was applied to the affected
area. This procedure was repeated for 3 days; the frequency was reduced to every other day for 10 days. No antibiotics were administered. After 10 more days, the goshawk’s limb had healed and was functioning normally.
®
before
recovering - day 7
71
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor and Booster Concen trate in the Treatment of Pigeons Infected with Poxvirus ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A young pigeon was presented with lesions suggestive of a poxvirus infection. The bird was hospitalized and fed Harrison’s Juvenile hand-feeding formula supplemented with HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.2 ml q12h mixed with food). HEALx Booster Concentrate was administered at a dose of 2 pearls daily. No antibiotics or other supplements were used. After 10 days the pigeon was eating Harrison’s ™
®
®
before
High Potency Fine Grind on its own, and administration of Booster Concentrate (2 pearls per day) was continued. The skin lesions dried quickly, and the lungs did not seem affected by the virus. After 22 days the skin lesions were completely dry, and the bird was flying and looked completely recovered. A second pigeon with a broken leg presented with similar clinical signs. In this case, anti ™
®
biotics were administered and no Booster was used. The broken leg healed, but the pigeon died 3 weeks after presentation. The necropsy revealed severe lung lesions. Poxvirus is usually species-specific and can be lethal for birds until now. Treating infected animals has traditionally included only administration of general support, vitamins and antibiotics. ®
after
72
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Pigeon with an Open Tarsometatarsus Fracture ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A pigeon was presented with an open tarso metatarsus 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, ®
before
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 (100 mg/L drinking water). 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. ®
®
®
after
73
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Rain, Soother Plus and Booster for Tissue Damage in a Psittacine ®
®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
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 ®
before
(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.
®
2 weeks after
74
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in a Hawk with Bumblefoot 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Foot infections, which are common in all birds, particularly raptors, are frequently associated with an inadequate diet and poor husbandry. A Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) was presented with third degree bumblefoot lesions on one foot. Surgery was performed, and the infected tissue was removed. The skin was
before
before
after
after
closed with a 4-0 nonabsorbable suture. HEALx Sunshine Factor was administered as a daily supplement (0.4 ml PO) for 3 weeks. Third degree lesions usually take at least 8 weeks or more to heal; however, in this case, the skin had epithelialized over one lesion by 4 weeks and over the second lesion by 速
5 weeks. Sunshine Factor has been used as a dietary supplement in many bumblefoot cases, and a marked improvement in recovery has been confirmed. Also, there is a lower incidence of bumblefoot in birds that are regularly administered Sunshine Factor as a daily dietary supplement. 速
速
75
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Conure with a Severe Leg Disorder ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
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
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
®
®
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. ®
76
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster Concentrate in the Treatment of Falcons with Poxvirus ®
Marino Garcia Montijano, LV; Ines Luaces, LV and Diana Zamora, LV
We have treated more than 80 falcons with poxvirus skin lesions using HEALx Booster Concentrate. In all cases every lesion disappeared without the loss of any digits and without evidence of a visible carrier. In most cases of poxvirus, the skin lesion healed even before finishing the Booster Concentrate treatment (scars began to dry out after 1 week of treat®
®
ment). Before using Booster Concentrate, I would see carrier falcons live for many years with scars on their feet, which would infect other falcons. The Booster Concentrate seems to resolve this issue, and I have not seen any reinfection. Below is a clinical case of a severe poxvirus skin lesion in an 800 g juvenile male gyr x ®
®
Day 7
before - day 0
Day 40
Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) hybrid. Marbo floxacin was administered for the first week. The gyr falcon hybrid was given 2 pearls of Booster Concentrate orally per day for the first 3 days and 1 pearl per day for the next 40 days. This case involved a severe poxvirus strain. ®
day 15
after - day 65
77
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Sparrow with a Broken Leg ®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A young common sparrow (Passer domesticus) was presented with an open fracture of the tibiotarsus on the left leg. With the sparrow anesthetized, the lesion was cleaned and a piece of bone was surgically removed to avoid bacterial contamination. External fixation was achieved before
with a bandage and toothpicks. HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically to the open wound. The owner was given husbandry recommendations and provided Harrison´s Bird Foods’ Hand-feeding Neonate Formula. Two weeks later when the bird was presented for ®
sutures ripped out (Day 3)
recheck, the bandage was removed and both skin and bone had healed. The sparrow was eating Harrison´s Bird Foods’ Super Fine High Potency Formula and was recovering well.
after - Day 14
78
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Gyr Falcon with a Severely Prolapsed Oviduct 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 4-year-old female gyr falcon (Falco rusticolus) presented with a severely prolapsed oviduct. The animal was sedated with isoflurane, the tissue was cleaned and dead tissue was surgically removed. The tissue layers were reconnected, and HEALx Soother Plus was applied 速
topically. Injectable antibiotics (enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg IM q24h) and amoxicillin (15 mg/kg IM q24h x 6 days) were administered. The cloaca was partially closed to prevent recurrence of the prolapse. The next day with the falcon anesthetized,
the sutures were removed and the exposed tissue was cleaned. Soother Plus was applied topically again, and the cloaca was resutured. The same process was repeated the following day without suturing the cloaca. 速
before
after - day 3
79
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Cockatoo with a Prolapsed Oviduct ®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 4-year-old female cockatoo presented with a prolapsed oviduct. The bird had not laid eggs in the previous year. It showed signs of weakness and was sitting on the floor. With the bird under anesthesia, the cloaca was cleaned and flushed several times with a sterile solution and a solution of quaternary ammonium and biguanidine compounds (5.8%) nontoxic ampholytic surfactants and sequestrants. HEALx Soother Plus was injected into the cloaca using a syringe. The cloaca was sutured with two vertical sutures making the opening smaller to prevent recurrence of the prolapse. ®
before
Injectable enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg IM q24h) was administered. The next day the cloaca was flushed again, sutures were removed and necrotic tissue from the oviduct was exposed and cleaned, while dead tissue was removed. The cloaca was sutured again and left for 24 hours. HEALx Booster (10 ml per kg food q24h) was mixed with the bird’s food. On Day 3, the sutures were removed with the bird under inhalation anesthesia, the tissues were flushed with a sterile solution and a solution of quaternary ammonium and biguanidine compounds (5.8%) nontoxic ampholytic surfac®
tants and sequestrants and Soother Plus was applied topically to the cloaca. The cloaca was not resutured closed. Over the next 2 days, the cloaca was examined and flushed. Soother Plus was applied topically q24h. Because the bird was eating well and fecal content was passing normally, the animal was discharged from the hospital. The owner continued to give Booster at the same dose for 2 weeks. The oviduct prolapse was suspected to have been caused by frequent reproductive behavior that lead to an irritation and infection. ®
®
day 4
80
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Hawk with a Fracture 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A young Harris' hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) was presented with a fracture at the diaphysis of the right tibiotarsus. The animal was initially stabilized and later anesthetized. An intramedullary pin was surgically introduced into both ends of the fracture, and the fracture was reduced. The muscles and skin were sutured, and HEALx Soother Plus was applied topical速
ly under the bandage to provide local analgesia. Enrofloxacin (0.1 ml equivalent to 5 mg/kg body weight IM) was administered for the first 4 days following surgery. No other analgesics were used. After 1 week, the hawk was checked, the sutures were removed and Soother Plus was applied again to help with tissue healing and 速
muscle contraction. On Day 19, with the hawk anesthetized, the fracture was examined and radiographed, the bandages were removed and the intramedullary pin was surgically removed. The owner was advised to apply Soother Plus daily to the incision site and progressively increase the bird's exercise. By Day 28, the owner reported 95% recovery. 速
81
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus, Booster and Sunshine Factor in an African Grey with an Infected Lesion ®
®
®
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A young African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was presented with an open lesion on its chest over the sternum. The wings had not been trimmed properly, and the animal fell during flight attempts. After several crashes, the skin covering the sternum had opened and blood was covering an infected wound. The skin was swollen and a hematoma was eviwing trim
dent. With the bird anesthetized (isoflurane), the wound was cleaned and closed with sutures. HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically to the lesion to provide analgesia and to speed the skin healing process. The owner continued the Soother Plus (q24h) treatment, and Booster was added to the animal’s food (7 ml per kg food q24h x 6 days). ®
®
®
After 6 days, the animal was rechecked, and the sutures were removed. The skin had healed properly. For the next 2 weeks, the frequency of Soother Plus application was reduced to q48h, and the Booster was continued (5 ml per kg food q24h). The African grey was then maintained on Sunshine Factor (10 ml/kg q24h) as a daily dietary supplement. ®
®
®
before
after - day 6
82
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Ointment in a Harris Hawk with a Severe Wing Lesion 速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
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 Soother Ointment was applied topically and covered with gauze. 速
before
day 0 (skin closure)
Soother and gauze applied
Day 7 (recovering)
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 (long-acting amoxicillin q24h x 4 days). On recheck 1 week later, the wound was already healing.
83
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster for Treatment of Mild Bilateral Pododermatitis in a Parrot ®
®
Laura Wade, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian)
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. 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-onplastic syringe was used to facilitate the administration of the Booster. Evaluation 6 weeks ®
®
®
before
after
before
after
later showed resolution of the erythema and swelling and return of papillae. 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. ®
®
®
84
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Budgerigar with a Bleeding Mass 速
Stephen M. Wyler, DVM
A 7-year-old female budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) was presented with a bleeding mass on its tail from self-mutilation. The bird had been fed a diet of seeds, millet and some pellets. The mass, approximately 1 cm in size, was present in the region of the uropygial gland. It was elevated and covered with fresh and dried blood, making visualization extremely difficult. All diagnostics were declined by the owner. The mass was cauterized with silver nitrate,
before
and the patient was sent home with omega fatty acids (0.44 ml/kg q24h), meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg q24h) and HEALx Soother Plus to be applied q12h to the tail base lesion. The owner was instructed to increase the amount of pellets fed while gradually decreasing the amount of millet and seeds. The patient returned 2 weeks later. Although the mass was slightly smaller, there was still a small amount of bleeding. Cut-Trol was 速
applied topically, and instructions were given to continue administering the omega fatty acids, meloxicam and Soother Plus at the same dosages and frequency. Upon re-examination approximately 5 weeks later, the mass was no longer present, and the owner reported it had fallen off 10 days following the previous visit. There was no sign of recurrence. 速
速
after
85
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Cockatoo with a Severe Skin Lesion ®
®
Stephen M. Wyler, DVM
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
before
was administered (0.12 ml IM), enrofloxacin was continued (15 mg/kg PO q12h) and Nystatin Oral Suspension (1.35 ml PO q12h) 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 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. ™
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after
86
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in the Management of a Lovebird with Significant Head and Foot Trauma ®
Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A 2-year-old, 42-g lovebird presented after being attacked by a cagemate a week and a half prior. On physical exam, over 80% of the skin on the head was degloved, grossly exposing the skull. In addition, there was complete necrosis of all digits on the right foot as well as necrosis of the left foot starting above the level of the tarsus and proceeding distally to include all toes. Fluids, enrofloxacin (Baytril 22.7 mg/ml, 0.03 ml PO q12h), metronidazole (100 mg/ml, 0.02 ml q12h) and meloxicam (1 mg/ml, 0.01 ml PO q12-24h) were administered. The bird was ®
hospitalized, and surgery was performed the following day. All necrotic areas of the feet and legs were removed past the line of demarcation. There was insufficient skin on the head to close the wound, and the skull was already discoloring. This area was debrided and left open. The stumps were sutured closed with 4-0 ethilon. HEALx Soother Plus ointment was applied to the incisions, and both feet were bandaged. The lovebird was discharged on the above medications with recommendations for foot bandage changes every 3 days, aquarium rest and appli®
Before (Jan 2009)
Mar 2009
May 2009
Jun 2009
Aug 2009
Sep 2009
cation of Soother Plus (q8h) to the entire skull as the only topical therapy. A mild debridement of redundant tissue of the head was performed 14 days later. Within 4 weeks a good band of granulation tissue had formed over the skull and some degree of contracture had begun. Oral medications were discontinued and Soother Plus (q8h) was used alone. Three months later, a complete layer of granulation was present across the entire skull and contracture was evident. Complete healing was noted after an additional 16 weeks. ®
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Clinical Case studies
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 ™
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Laurie Hess, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian)
An 8-year-old Quaker parakeet presented for a swollen head and weakness of 3 days’ duration. The owner noted the bird was unable to bite down hard and wasn’t eating. The bird’s diet consisted mainly of seeds and almonds. On physical examination, the bird appeared slightly (~5%) dehydrated. It also exhibited malocclusion and malalignment of the gnathotheca with the rhinotheca, had a very weak bite response and exhibited neurologic signs, including clenched feet and mild ataxia. The bird’s
neck was bruised. A bone from the hyoid apparatus was protruding ventral to the mandible. Radiographs confirmed protrusion of the hyoid bone; no other abnormalities were noted. The patient was treated with meloxicam (0.5 mg/ml; 0.025 mg PO q24h x 7d), Harrison’s Bird Bread Mix,™ HEALx Sunshine Factor (to make the Bird Bread) and HEALx Booster (0.02 ml PO q24h). The owner was instructed to syringe feed the bird if it was not eating on its own. Seven days later, the patient appeared much ®
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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 was the Harrison’s Bird Bread with Sunshine Factor. After 14 days, the bird was bright and alert, had significantly improved beak strength, and had gained 12 g. Its gnathotheca and rhinotheca appeared much better aligned, and the bird held a cotton swab in its beak with ease. ™
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before (day 0)
Day 14
Day 14
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Short-billed Corella with a Severe Bite Wound ®
Friedrich Janeczek, Dr med vet
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. 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, 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. When it was obvious the surrounding skin would not heal over the hip joint lesion, a surgical closure was performed. 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. ®
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Before (day 0)
day 11
day 34
day 39 (post-surgery)
day 104
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Harris Hawk with Severe Lesions on the Tibiotarsus ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A 1050-g Harris hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) presented with a severe lesion on its leg in the region of the tibiotarsus that had improperly healed. The bird was anesthetized with oxygen and isoflurane, and the scab was removed. The wound was so deep that the bone was exposed after the scab was removed. The tendons were also exposed, and the prognosis was poor.
The area was disinfected with dilute chlorhexidine and sterile fluids. HEALx Soother Plus cream was mixed with gauze strips and a small amount of sterile saline, and the Soother Plus -soaked bandages were applied to the lesions. The bandages were covered with plastic film to help keep the Soother Plus in contact with the damaged tissue and ®
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prevent the tissues from drying out. This system also helps granulation tissue build up. This procedure was repeated every 3 days, and the wound showed signs of improvement. The owner administered HEALx Booster (1 ml q24h PO) with the hawk’s food for additional vitamins A and E to assist in healing the skin. ®
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Before (day 0)
day 0 (after scab removed)
day 8
day 15
day 25
day 33
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Cockatiel with Severe Bite Wounds on Its Legs ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A cockatiel presented with severe leg bite wounds from an attack by larger parrots. The bird had open wounds that were obviously infected as well as tendon exposure. The bird had lost a lot of blood; therefore, it was not a good candidate for anesthesia. The wounds were cleaned with sterile solutions and dilute chlorhexidine and then dried. The method for cases in which small areas
need to be covered completely with Soother Plus and bandaging material is as follows: 1. HEALx Soother Plus cream was placed into a small bowl. Gauze was cut into strips and dipped into the Soother Plus until completely soaked. 2. The Soother Plus -soaked bandages were applied to the lesions. 3. Plastic film was wrapped over the ®
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bandages so that the outer layers did not absorb all the cream. 4. The bandages were replaced every 2 days. In addition HEALx Booster was mixed with the cockatiel’s food (10 ml for each 1000 g of seeds). The bird accepted well the food mixed with Booster, and it appeared to show less evidence of pain after 48 hours. ®
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day 8
day 12
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Cockatiel with Nylon Thread Tied Around Its Toe ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A cockatiel was presented with a nylon thread wound around its toe. The thread had cut through the skin down to the bone. The problem with this type of lesion is that the skin usually mends on the surface without full tissue healing.
The bird was treated by cleaning the lesion well with sterile solutions, removing the scab and then applying HEALx Soother Plus cream topically inside and over the lesion. The area was then covered with plastic film to help keep the Soother Plus in direct contact with the dam®
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aged tissue. The cockatiel´s food was mixed with HEALx Booster (10 ml/kg of formulated diet) and the cut was dressed with bandages. The procedure was repeated every 2 days until the wound was healed. No treatment other than the Soother Plus and Booster was given. ®
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before
after
92
Clinical Case studies
Use of HEALx Booster to Control Anaerobic I in a Severely Wounded Amazon Parrot ®
AndrÉ Becker Saidenberg, DVM, MS, PhD candidate
A 7-month-old rescued blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) 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 Before (day 0)
gram’s stain day 7 An absence of large gram-positive bacilli, and gram-positive cocci were seen only in small numbers.
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
Before (day 0)
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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. ®
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gram’s stain day 3
Gram’s stain of the feces showed gram-positive bacilli with spores.
The number of large gram-positive bacilli had decreased, and there was an absence of cocci.
The Gram’s stain showed a proportion of 70% regular-sized non spore-forming gram-positive bacilli and 30% gram-positive cocci.
day 305
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in an African Grey Parrot with a Severe Skin Lesion 速
速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
An African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) presented with a large mass on one side of its rear leg. The bird was anesthetized with oxygen and isoflurane, and the mass was surgically removed, which left a large tissue deficit. The animal received no treatment other than daily
before
surgery
topical application of HEALx Soother Plus cream and the addition of HEALx Booster (0.02-0.04 ml/100 g body weight q24h) to its diet. The owner reported the parrot returned to normal behavior 2 days after the surgery and has recovered extremely well. 速
速
treatment
94
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Budgerigar with a Skin Lesion ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) presented with an unusual skin lesion located on the neck region under the beak. The lesion was treated daily by cleaning, rinsing with sterile saline, drying and topically applying HEALx
before (day 0)
Soother Plus cream. The animal was fed Harrison´s Bird Food, and HEALx Booster was mixed with the pellets (10 ml per kg food). The lesion was healed within a week. ®
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after (day 4)
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Patagonian Conure with a Cloacal Papilloma ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A Patagonian conure (Cyanoliseus patagonus) presented with a cloacal papilloma, which was obviously causing pain and interfering with normal cloacal emptying. The bird was treated with a daily topical application of HEALx Soother Plus cream via a cotton swab. Soother ®
Plus is extremely helpful against papillomas and herpesviruses, which produce painful skin and cloacal lesions. HEALx Booster was administered with the animal’s food (12 ml per kg food). Harrison’s Bird Foods Pepper Lifetime Formula is recommended for cases ®
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like this, because diets with cayenne pepper may help prevent this type of disorder. In cases with poor prognosis, this treatment has been shown to give better results than surgery and allows easier treatment of the condition.
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Duck with Severe Dermatologic Lesions 速
速
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A young duck presented with necrosis affecting the surface of its feet and beak. The cause of the lesions was not determined; however, the lesions were severe, and the prognosis was poor. The lesions were cleaned daily with sterile saline fluids, dried and then dressed with
gauze soaked in HEALx Soother Plus cream. The animal was also given HEALx Sunshine Factor (1 ml mixed daily with its diet). The lesions improved quickly and were completely healed within 2 weeks. 速
速
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor and Soother Spray in a Gecko with Skin Lesions ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) was presented with skin lesions and anorexia. HEALx Sunshine Factor was administered (0.05 ml PO q24h x 2 weeks). The gecko was sprayed with HEALx Soother Spray once daily for 4 consecutive days, and a clean water ®
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before
bath was given with a water bottle spray on the fifth day to remove any build-up of the Soother solution. The treatment schedule was repeated a second time. The environmental humidity was increased, and the gecko’s feces were tested for parasites. Because the animal ®
had flagellated protozoa parasites, treatment against giardia protozoa was administered when the animal presented for a recheck. At that time the lesions on the skin were completely healed, and the animal had overall improved.
after
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Booster Concentrate, Sunshine Factor and Soother Plus in a Tortoise with Erythema ®
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Thomas Bankstahl, DVM
A 13.6 kg African spurred tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) was presented with erythema and mild ulceration of the ventral surfaces of the feet. Rule-outs included trauma, infection or inappropriate substrate. HEALx Soother Plus was ®
used topically on the affected area q12h as the only topical treatment. The tortoise’s salad was supplemented with a top dress of HEALx Sunshine Factor (5.44 ml q24h 0.4 ml/kg) and HEALx Booster Concentrate (20 pellets q24h). ®
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The depth of the substrate was also increased during the treatment. The erythema improved within 24 hours and resolved within 72 hours. The ulceration showed improvement within 72 hours and was resolved by Day 10.
99
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in Severe Bite Wounds in a Tortoise ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermanni) over 40 years of age was presented with severe rat bites on its foreleg. Fluids and antibiotics were administered immediately. Following 2 surgeries, the animal was hospitalized and treatment continued with injectable antibiotics
before
and bandage changes every other day. The lesions were treated topically with HEALx Soother Plus during bandage changes. HEALx Booster was added to the top of the tortoise’s salads (0.5 ml q12h with the assumption that some will not be eaten). After only 1 month, ®
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the skin had epithelialized and bandages were no longer necessary. This animal is still able to walk. Once the animal had recovered, the owner started to give HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.4 ml q24h mixed with its salad twice a week) as a natural vitamin supplement.
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after
100
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Rain and Sunshine Factor in an Iguana with Dysecdysis ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
A green iguana (Iguana iguana) was presented with dysecdysis (abnormal shed). The skin had not regenerated properly because the animal was housed in a terrarium with poor heating and low humidity and was offered an
before
improper diet. The iguana was hospitalized for 10 days with a daily shower of HEALx Rain. HEALx Sunshine Factor (0.2 ml per 100 g body weight) was added to its daily diet of broccoli and hibiscus flowers. The iguana ®
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showed improvement after only 3 days of treatment and appeared to like the taste of the Sunshine Factor. The eye that was compromised because of the skin condition returned to normal. ®
recovering - day 3
101
Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Sulcata Tortoise with a Severe Bite Wound ®
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Ariana Finkelstein, DVM
A juvenile female sulcata tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) was presented after sustaining a severe defect in its carapace following trauma caused by a dog bite. Its normal diet consisted of a herbivore mixture of hay, greens and selected red/ orange vegetables. It was housed primarily outdoors in South Texas. The tortoise weighed 0.679 kg on presentation. It was immediately placed in an incubator
before
for stabilization and started on warmed fluids (Reptile Ringer’s Solution, 20 ml divided in several areas subcutaneously and intracoelomically). After stabilization, wound care was initiated with dilute chlorhexidine scrub and chlorhexidine solution. The tortoise was started on injectable ceftazadime (20 mg/kg IM q72h) as well as meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg PO q48h). HEALx Booster was added to the diet (0.12 ®
ml PO q24h), and HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically 2 times daily to the affected tissues for pain management and healing. Topical treatment of the wound continued at home twice daily with the dilute chlorhexidine solution and Soother Plus. Within 11 days, a good quality layer of granulation tissue was present. The tortoise is continuing to do well at this time. ®
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day 11
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Clinical Case studies
The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in an Iguana with a Chrysosporium Anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii Infection ®
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
An iguana (Iguana iguana) presented with a Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii infection, which is a fungal skin lesion. Previously, these cases were treated with oral antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole, or antifungal creams. Although these were effective,
treatment using HEALx Soother Plus cream and Sunshine Factor, which do not compromise the liver or kidneys, has produced better results. In this case, Soother Plus cream was applied to the lesions once a day, and a daily dose of Sunshine Factor was added as a dressing to the ®
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Day 0
Day 10
Day 20
day o
Day 10
Day 20
daily salad (1 ml for each 100 g body weight mixed with the diet or 0.2 ml PO). Iguanas will eat the Sunshine Factor by itself. The natural vitamins help the healing process. We have not seen a case in which the fungal lesion did not resolve with this treatment. ®
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Resources documents on this Cd
WEB LINKS
healx product web links
• What is HEALx and how was it developed?
(You will need an active internet connection to access and view these web links.)
(You will need an active internet connection to access and view these web links.)
• See More Clinical Cases
• Soother Plus
• Soother Products and Pain Relief
• Where to Buy HEALx Products
• Soother Spray
• Sunshine Factor Technical Specifications
• Video of Dogs Eating Sunshine Factor
• Rain
• Booster Concentrate Technical Specifications
• Video of Cats Eating Sunshine Factor
• Sunshine Factor
• Pharmacological Properties of HEALx Aloe Vera
• Video of Ferrets Eating Sunshine Factor
• Booster
• Testimonials for Small Mammals and Reptiles
• Booster Concentrate
• Harrisons’ Pet Products Catalog, including the HEALx product sheet
• Tips to Reduce Feather Destructive Behaviors • All Red Palm Oil Is Not the Same
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• Bird Builder
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• Testimonials for Birds • HEALx Herald Newsletters • Our Veterinary Team • PubMed Reference Links • Handbook for a Healthier Bird • 11 Tips for Converting Birds to a Formulated Diet • Why Choose Organic?
(Click title to open documents.)
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Veterinarians Involved in the Clinical Case Studies (Click on the veterinarian’s name to link to a short biography.) Products developed by
harrisons’ pet products Clinical Consultants
Greg Harrison, DVM, Dipl Emeritus ABVP (Avian), Dip ECZM (retired)
Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM
Harrisons’ Pet Products Medical Director South Palm Beach, Florida
Exoticos Vet Clinic Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Kevin Wright, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Reptile and Amphibian) Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital Mesa, Arizona
contributing veterinarians
The following veterinarians contributed clinical case studies to this project: Alfonso Bañeres De la Torre, DVM Ilundain Wildlife Rescue Center, Environmental Department - Government of Navarra Ilundain, Spain Exotic Medicine & Surgery Service Clínica Veterinaria Burlada Navarra, Spain Thomas Bankstahl, DVM Director of Medical and Surgical Services Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital Clinton Township, Michigan Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dip ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal) Clinica Veterinaria S. Siro / Gran Sasso Milano, Italy Julie Clark-Blount, DVM Laurel Oaks Animal Hospital Kingsland, Georgia Ariana Finkelstein, DVM Southeast Animal Hospital San Antonio, Texas
Marino Garcia Montijano, LV; Ines Luaces, LV and Diana Zamora, LV Hospital de Rapaces Altai Madrid, Spain
André Becker Saidenberg, DVM, MS, PhD candidate Epidemiology Department São Paulo University, Brazil
Laurie Hess, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian) Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics Bedford Hills, New York
Renata Schneider, DVM Exotic Pet Veterinary Services/ SPCA Wildlife Care Center Hollywood, Florida
Friedrich Janeczek, Dr med vet Veterinary Practice Limited to Parrots Gräfelfing, Germany Kirsten Love, DVM Lantana Atlantis Animal Hospital Lantana, Florida Barry Orange, DVM Lexington Animal Hospital Clark, New Jersey Jennifer Periat, DVM Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital Clinton Township, Michigan
Theodore R. Stechschulte, DVM Forest Hill Animal Hospital West Palm Beach, Florida Inge Thas, DVM DAP Thas Zwijnaarde, Belgium Laura Wade, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian) Specialized Care for Avian & Exotic Pets Lancaster, New York Stephen Wyler, DVM Trylon Vet Care P.C. Forest Hills, New York
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Greg Harrison, DVM, Dipl Emeritus ABVP (Avian), Dip ECZM (retired) Harrisons’ Pet Products Medical Director South Palm Beach, Florida After Greg J. Harrison received his DVM degree from Iowa State University in 1967, he moved to Florida and began work in general small animal practices. He focused his interest on pet birds and soon established The Bird Hospital, the first Florida practice exclusively for pet bird medicine and surgery. During this time, he developed extensive aviaries on his property and began clinical trials with a formulated diet, which became the basis for Harrison’s Bird Foods, the world’s first organic formulated pet food. Dr. Harrison has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Rachel Carson Council for conservation since 2001. He has served as co-editor and contributing author
of three major avian medicine books, Clinical Avian Medicine and Surgery; Avian Medicine: Principles and Application; and most recently, Clinical Avian Medicine. He has contributed to other veterinary and aviculture publications as well as been an international speaker on these subjects. Dr. Harrison was one of three outstanding alumni recipients of the 1997 Stange Award from Iowa State University. He is only one of seven veterinarians in the world who are board-certified both in the United States and in Europe through the European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
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Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM Harrisons’ Pet Products Clinical Consultant Exoticos Vet Clinic Palma de Mallorca, Spain Dr. Sarmiento Valiente received his degree in veterinary medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain in 1997 and his doctorate degree the following year. He then worked as a specialist exotic veterinarian at the Clinic of Exotic and Wild Animals in Madrid. In 1999, he served as a freelance exotic animal veterinary consultant for local clinics in the city of Palma and on the island of Mallorca. In 2002, Dr. Sarmiento Valiente founded Exoticos Vet Clinic, the first veterinary clinic
in Palma de Mallorca, Spain devoted exclusively to the care of exotic animals. From 2004 to 2005, he worked at Pro Falcon, a veterinary hospital for birds of prey in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Currently, Dr. Sarmiento Valiente provides care to over 4200 clients and conducts clinical trials with HEALx and AVIx products in his practice. He also lectures throughout Spain about the benefits of these products as well as general exotic animal medicine topics.
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Kevin Wright, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Reptile and Amphibian) Harrisons’ Pet Products Clinical Consultant Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital Mesa, Arizona Dr. Wright received his DVM degree from the University of Florida in 1988 after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in zoology. As a student, he began working in the exotic animal and wildlife ward of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and served preceptorships at the National Zoo and Miami Metrozoo. Following 2 years in Miami in a private practice, he completed a residency in zoological medicine, which was a joint program of the Philadelphia Zoo and the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, and then served as the veterinarian and curator for the amphibian and reptile collection at the Philadelphia Zoo. He was appointed as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Clinical Sciences. Seven years later, he moved to The Phoenix Zoo, where he furthered his interest in animal conservation projects and mobilized groups of volunteers to support the zoo. He returned to private practice in 2005.
Dr. Wright has contributed chapters to many veterinary textbooks and co-authored the book, Amphibian Medicine and Captive Husbandry, which filled a major gap in exotic animal medicine. He has published over 150 articles on exotic pet and zoological medicine and the captive care of amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, birds and mammals for both professional and lay audiences. He has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences as well as on radio and television programs. Dr. Wright was one of the original board members for the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) and served as its President from 1996-1997. He is also a member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) and the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV). He serves as an advisor to the Wyoming Toad Species Survival Plan for the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In 2007 Dr. Wright co-founded the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital (www.azeah.com), the
Valley’s first hospital devoted exclusively to the care of exotic pets. He was selected as the 2008 Exotic DVM of the Year and the 2009 Speaker of the Year for the Exotics Program at the North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC). He continues to serve conservation projects and is working on a second book on amphibian medicine.
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Alfonso Bañeres De la Torre, DVM Veterinary Advisor, Ilundain Wildlife Rescue Center Environmental Department - Government of Navarra (Spain) Ilundain, Spain Exotic Medicine & Surgery Service Clínica Veterinaria Burlada Navarra, Spain Alfonso Bañeres De la Torre, DVM is a graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zaragoza, Spain, with a Speciality in Medicine and Health. From 1991 until the present, he worked with wild and exotic animals at zoos, such as Cabárceno (Cantabria) El Karpín, Basondo (Bizkaia), and wildlife rescue centers, such as GREFA (Madrid) and Vallcalent (Lleida). Dr. Bañeres De la Torre has been a speaker at numerous congresses on medicine and surgery of free-ranging animals and has pub-
lished numerous scientific articles. He is a member of Grupo de Medicina y Cirugía de Animales Exóticos (GMCAE) and the Asociación de Veterinarios Españoles de Pequeños Animales (AVEPA). Currently, Dr. Bañeres De la Torre directs the veterinary team at Ilundain Wildlife Rescue Center (with an emphasis on trauma, especially in birds of prey) and attends clinical cases of exotic animals at Clínica Veterinaria Burlada.
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Thomas Bankstahl, DVM Director of Medical and Surgical Services Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital Clinton Township, Michigan Dr. Bankstahl graduated from Michigan State University in 1994 and completed a year of training with Dr. Scott Stahl in exotic animal medicine until 1995. He performed small animal clinical medicine and surgery and developed an exotic practice at Nucci Veterinary Hospital until 1999 when he became the owner of Parkway Veterinary Clinic. In 2003, Dr. Bankstahl expanded to a new building encompassing 23,000 sq ft, which included new services, such as boarding, daycare, training, behavioral modification, grooming and retail. He has also re-opened another clinic at his original site, which serves as a well-
ness clinic. His veterinary practice has expanded to encompass 6 doctors and over 17,000 clients with a 50% exotic animal base, including birds, reptiles and small mammals. Dr. Bankstahl is also active in local lectures and community education. He founded a non-profit rescue league and mentors veterinary students and technicians. He breeds and shows sphynx cats and whippets. He is currently the owner as well as the clinical and surgical director of Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital and Parkway Veterinary Clinic.
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Vittorio Capello, DVM, Dip ECZM (Small Mammal), Dipl ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal) Clinica Veterinaria S. Siro / Gran Sasso Milano, Italy Vittorio Capello received his veterinary degree from the University of Milano, Italy. He has practiced exotic animal medicine exclusively since 1996 and provides professional services for two veterinary clinics in Milano, where his focus has been medicine and surgery of exotic companion mammals. Dr. Capello has lectured, published and
taught exotic animal courses and practical laboratories throughout Italy, other parts of Europe and the United States. He is the author of two reference texts: Rabbit and Rodent Dentistry Handbook and Clinical Radiology of Exotic Companion Mammals. He is President-elect of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV).
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Julie Clark-Blount, DVM Laurel Oaks Animal Hospital Kingsland, Georgia Dr. Julie Clark-Blount is a 1998 graduate of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Clark-Blount has been in the veterinary field for over 18 years, starting as an assistant and working her way through college. She is up-to-date on major develop-
ments in veterinary medicine through continuing education opportunities, such as seminars, workshops and regional and national meetings. She may be reached at www.laureloaksanimalhospital.vetsuite.com.
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Ariana Finkelstein, DVM Southeast Animal Hospital San Antonio, Texas Ariana Finkelstein, DVM was born and raised in the Tri-state area. She grew up in Hights town, New Jersey, a small suburb an hour from New York City and Philadelphia. She completed her undergraduate education in New Brunswick, New Jersey, graduating as a George H. Cook Scholar with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1992 from Cook College, Rutgers University. After finishing undergrad, she went to Columbus Ohio to attend The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated in 1996. After working 5 years in private practice— including companion animals and exotics—
she returned to academia in 2001 to pursue an internship in avian, exotic and zoo animal medicine through Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, The Tulsa Zoo and Oklahoma City Zoo. Upon completion of the internship, she moved to San Antonio, Texas to work full time at the San Antonio Zoo. She continued to practice small animal medicine on a relief basis. After 2 years at the zoo, she returned to small animal practice at an emergency clinic. She started working at the Southeast Animal Hospital in 2006, seeing everything from aardvarks to zebras.
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Marino Garcia Montijano, LV Hospital de Rapaces Altai Madrid, Spain Marino Garcia Montijano received his degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery in 1995 from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. He then completed a PhD program at the same university in 1996. Since that time he has participated in various small animal and exotic veterinary facilities and in
multiple wildlife projects in the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain and India. He is an accomplished author of book chapters and peer-reviewed papers published in scientific journals and has reported extensively on his work with the pharmacokinetic behavior of marbofloxacin in birds of prey. In addition to
memberships in international avian associations, he was a founding member of the Spanish Association of Wildlife Veterinarians and Students (AVAFES) and the Eagle Conservation Alliance.
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Laurie Hess, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian) Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics Bedford Hills, New York Dr. Hess is board-certified by the American Board of Avian Practitioners in avian medicine and served as the President of the Association of Avian Veterinarians from 20092010. She is also an active member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. After graduating summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University, Dr. Hess received her veterinary medical degree from Tufts University. She then completed a 1-year internship and a 2-year residency in avian and exotic pet medicine and surgery at the world-renowned Animal Medical Center in New York City. She currently is the owner of Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics (www.avianexoticsvet.com). Dr. Hess has lectured both nationally and internationally about exotic pet care and has
published numerous articles and book chapters on birds and other exotic species. She is especially interested in exotic pet nutrition. In the late 1990s, she completed groundbreaking nutrition research on the importance of pelleted diets in birds. She presented these findings both in Europe and in the US and later published the research in 2002. Dr. Hess appeared in 2010 as a veterinary expert in 2 exotic animal TV shows on Animal Planet, “Peculiar Pets 101,” and “Little Pets 101.” She also appeared as a guest expert on Animal Planet as part of Drs. Foster and Smith’s TV series, “Faithful Friends,” and as a featured veterinarian on CBS’s popular newsmagazine show, “48 Hours.” She speaks on exotic pets regularly on Hudson Valley talk radio in New York and was featured weekly as the “Exotic Pet Vet” on the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut cable station, RNN TV.
She is a senior editor of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and a guest editor of the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, Veterinary Clinics of North America (Exotic Animal Series) and of Exotic DVM Veterinary Magazine.
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Friedrich Janeczek, Dr med vet Veterinary Practice Limited to Parrots Gr채felfing, Germany Dr. Friedrich Janeczek began breeding budgies soon after his fifth birthday. In the following years he extended his breeding efforts to lovebirds, Cuban Amazons, large macaws, cockatoos and grey parrots. To become a veterinarian who specialized in parrots and parakeets was the next logical step. Dr. Janeczek graduated from the University of Munich in 1986. His PhD thesis was dedicated to parrots; he developed faster methods (ELISA) to prove the presence in blood samples of the agent Chlamydia psittaci and its antibodies that cause the parrot disease, chlamydiosis. These methods are now applied in routine diagnostics. In 1988, as part of his PhD studies, Friedrich traveled for 6 months to the best avian clinics and parrot collections in Florida, California, New Zealand,
Australia, Singapore and the Philippines. In 1989, Dr. Janeczek started his own veterinary practice, Veterinary Practice Limited to Parrots (www.janeczek.de), which specializes in parrots and parakeets. The only exceptions are the endoscopic determination of sex and transponder implantation in other avian species. Examinations, therapy, consulting for all aspects of parrot breeding, care and nutrition are offered in his practice in Gr채felfing. He is the European representative and consulting veterinarian of Birds International, Inc (www.janeczek.com), Manila, Philippines since 1991 and the consulting veterinarian and co-owner of Avifood Dipl.-Stat. (Univ.) Monika Janeczek e. K. (www.avifood.com) since 1997 and Avijan OHG (www.avijan. com) since 2004.
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Kirsten Love, DVM Lantana Atlantis Animal Hospital Lantana, Florida Dr. Kirsten Love received her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota in 2003 and a Bachelor’s from Colorado State University in Microbiology. She worked in Ohio for 5 years in emergency and general practice with client pets, pet stores, and several rescue organizations.
Several exotic organizations have published her papers and asked her to give talks on current topics. For 2 years, she taught veterinary technicians at Stautzenberger College. She is currently working at Lantana Atlantis Animal Hospital in Lantana, Florida.
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Jennifer Periat, DVM Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital Clinton Township, Michigan Dr. Jennifer Periat graduated from Michigan State University in 2004. She has always had an interest in exotic animal medicine, completing exotics-based externships and projects before graduating. She now practices at Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital in Clinton Township, MI, where they have a fifty
percent exotics clientele base. Dr. Periat is on the board of directors for the Michigan Society of Herpetologists. She has been a speaker on exotic animal medicine and husbandry topics at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and numerous continuing education conferences.
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André Becker Saidenberg, DVM, MS, PhD candidate Epidemiology Department São Paulo University, Brazil Dr. Saidenberg is a Brazilian veterinarian with a special interest in avian medicine and other wild animals. He completed his Master’s degree working with microbiology in captive and free-living psittacines in 2008 and is currently a PhD candidate in veterinary epidemiology, working with confiscated birds that are undergoing the release process back into the
wild. He has been a volunteer of the World Parrot Trust (WPT, www.parrots.org) since 2007, translating “PsittaScene” into Portuguese and helping WPT form partnerships in Brazil with conservationists and scientific groups. He has a deep interest in the welfare of captive birds, is dedicated to fighting the illegal trade of parrots and to conserving nature in Brazil.
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Renata Schneider, DVM Exotic Pet Veterinary Services Hollywood, Florida Renata Schneider received her DVM degree in 2002 from the University of Montreal, Canada after completing a Bachelor's degree in languages. She was active with the birds of prey clinic throughout vet school and spent nine years volunteering and working at a local ecomuseum that accommodated over 100 species from the St. Lawrence Valley Region.
After an internship at the Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital in Pompano Beach, Florida, she worked at the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale. She currently offers veterinary care through the Exotic Pet Veterinary Services, South Florida’s Avian and Exotic Animal House Call Practice in Hollywood, Florida.
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Theodore R. Stechschulte, DVM Forest Hill Animal Hospital West Palm Beach, Florida Dr. Stechschulte received his DVM degree from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. Since 1980, he is the primary veterinarian and owner of Forest Hill Animal Hospital, predominately treating canine and feline patients.
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Inge Thas, DVM DAP Thas Zwijnaarde, Belgium Inge Thas received her veterinary degree from Ghent University in 1997. From 2000 to 2002 she was employed at the Exotic Animal Department of Ghent University. Since 2003, she has been the owner of practice DAP Thas where she mainly treats exotic animal patients.
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Laura Wade, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian) Specialized Care for Avian & Exotic Pets Lancaster, New York Dr. Laura Wade received her DVM degree from Cornell University in 1997 and was awarded the Mid-Atlantic States Association of Avian Veterinarians “E.L. Stubbs” Award for outstanding competence in avian medicine. In 2003, she completed a 2-year resi dency in avian & exotic pet medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and became board-certified in avian practice (ABVP). In 2004, she was awarded Veterinarian of the Year by the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. In 2006, Dr. Wade started Specialized Care for Avian & Exotic Pets to provide primary and referral care for exotic pets in Western New York and is the only full-time board-certified avian practitio-
ner in the region. She also provides afterhours emergency care for birds and exotic pets through the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Services in Amherst, NY. Dr. Wade’s primary practice interests are psittacine medicine and behavior, but she also enjoys public speaking, teaching, clinical research, surgery and working with wildlife. She is a writer and practitioner advisory board member of the Journal of Veterinary Medicine, an ancillary faculty member of State University of New York at Buffalo’s training program in Laboratory Animal Medicine and a clinical instructor for the avian course at Medaille College’s veterinary technician program.
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Stephen Wyler, DVM Trylon Vet Care P.C. Forest Hills, New York After graduating from the University of Georgia with a BS in Zoology, Dr. Wyler took the opportunity to live abroad and learn another language and culture. He applied to the University of Bologna, Italy, Veterinary School where he became the first American to pass the Italian Language Exam at the University. Dr. Wyler returned to New York, where he joined a group practice in Brooklyn, not far from where he grew up. After several years of working at various Animal Hospitals in Queens and Long Island, he purchased a hospital, where he would
remain a partner for eighteen years. During this period, and seeing a great need for an exotic animal veterinarian in Queens, he opened Trylon Vet Care, with the goal of providing quality veterinary care for exotic animals, as well as dogs and cats. Dr. Wyler is the New York State liaison to the Association of Avian Veterinarians. In addition, he is a participating member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and the Association of Amphibian and Reptilian Veterinarians, as well as numerous other associations and organizations.
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Clinical Case studies
References and Further Reading garwal MK, Agarwal ML, et al: TocotrienolA rich fraction of palm oil activates p53, modulates Bax/Bcl2 ratio and induces apoptosis independent of cell cycle association. Cell Cycle. 2004 Feb;3(2):205-11. vijgan M: Phytotherapy: An alternative treatA ment for non-healing ulcers. J Wound Care. 2004;13(4):157-8. Baliarsingh S, Beg ZH, et al: The therapeutic impacts of tocotrienols in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis. 2005;182(2):367-74. ankstahl T: Clinical results with selected B complementary therapies in birds. Proc Assoc Avian Vet. 2007. ankstahl TM: Use of Booster in reptiles and B mammals. Exotic DVM 8(5):8, 2006. Benade AJ: A place for palm fruit oil to eliminate vitamin A deficiency. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(3):369-72. endich A: Carotenoids and the immune B response. J Nutr. 1989 119:112-115. Bergsson G, Arnfinnsson J, et al: Killing of gram-positive cocci by fatty acids and monoglycerides. APMIS. 2001 Oct;109(10):670-8. Bergsson G, Arnfinnsson J, et al: In vitro inactivation of Chlamydia trachomatis by fatty acids and monoglycerides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1998 Sep;42(9):2290-4. ergsson G, Steingrimsson O, Thormar H: In B vitro susceptibilities of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to fatty acids and monoglycerides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1999 Nov;43(11):2790-2. lack TM, Wang P, et al: Palm tocotrienols B protect ApoE +/- mice from diet-induced atheroma formation. J Nutr. 2000 Oct;130(10): 2420-6. Boateng J, Verghese M, et al: Red palm oil suppresses the formation of azoxymethane (AOM) induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in Fisher 344 male rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2006 Oct;44(10):1667-73. Carpo BG, Verallo-Rowell VM, Kabara J: Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from skin infections: An in vitro study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Oct;6(10):991-8. Choi SW, Son BW, et al: The wound-healing effect of a glycoprotein fraction isolated from Aloe vera. Br J Dermatol. 2001
Oct;145(4):535-45. Clarke NM, May JT: Effect of antimicrobial factors in human milk on rhinoviruses and milk-borne cytomegalovirus in vitro. J Med Microbiol. 2000 Aug;49(8):719-23. Cole L, Heard C: Skin permeation enhance ment potential of Aloe vera and a proposed mechanism of action based upon size exclusion and pull effect. Int J Pharm. 2007 Mar 21;333(1-2):10-6.
tives as spasmolytics for irritable bowel syndrome. Curr Pharm Des. 2004;10(28): 3561-8. oh SH, Hew NF, et al: Inhibition of tumor G promotion by various palm oil tocotrienols. Int J Cancer. 1994 57:529-531.
Nafeeza MI, Norzana AG, et al: The effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction on experimentally induced atherosclerosis in the aorta of rabbits. Malay J Patho 2001 23(1): 17-25. Messenger G: Cataracts in birds. Exotic DVM 9(1):12, 2007.
adley HW, Fischer LA, et al: A topically H applied quaternary ammonium compound exhibits analgesic effects for orthopedic pain. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Oct;3(5): 361-6.
Ng MH, Choo YM, et al: Separation of vitamin E (tocopherol, tocotrienol, and toco monoenol) in palm oil. Lipids. 2004 Oct;39(10):1031-5.
ottrell RC: Nutritional aspects of palm oil. C Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 53: 989S-1009S.
Harrison GJ, Lightfoot T, (eds): Clinical Avian Medicine, Spix Publishing, 2006.
as S, Powell SR, et al: Cardioprotection D with palm tocotrienol: Antioxidant activity of tocotrienol is linked with its ability to stabilize proteasomes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 289(1):361-7.
Hornung B, Amtmann E, Sauer G: Lauric acid inhibits the maturation of vesicular stomatitis virus. J Gen Virol. 1994 Feb;75 (Pt 2):353361.
ng AS, Goh SH: Palm oil: A healthful and O cost-effective dietary component. Food Nutr Bull. 2002 Mar;23(1):11-22.
Duansak D, Somboonwong J, Patumraj S: Effects of Aloe vera on leukocyte adhesion and TNF-a and IL-6 levels in burn wounded rats. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2003;29(34):239-46 Ebong PE, Owu DU, Isong EU: Influence of palm oil (Elaesis guineensis) on health. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1999;53(3): 209-22. Edem DO, Eka OU, et al: Feeding of red palm oil-supplemented diets to rats may impact positively on vitamin A status. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2002 Jul;53(4):285-91. nig MG: Lauric oils as antimicrobial agents: E Theory of effect, scientific rationale, and dietary applications as adjunct nutritional support for HIV-infected individuals. Nutrients and Foods in AIDS (RR Watson, ed) CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1998, pp 81-97. Esterhuyse JS, van Rooyen J, et al: Proposed mechanisms for red palm oil induced cardioprotection in a model of hyperlipidaemia in the rat. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006 Dec;75(6):375-84. Esterhuyse AJ, du Toit EF, et al: Dietary red palm oil improves reperfusion cardiac function in the isolated perfused rat heart of animals fed a high cholesterol diet. Prosta glandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2005 Mar;72(3):153. Esterhuyse AJ, du Toit EF, Rooyen JV: Dietary red palm oil supplementation protects against the consequences of global ischemia in the isolated perfused rat heart. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2005;14(4):340-7. Evangelista S: Quaternary ammonium deriva-
Isaacs CE, Schneidman K: Enveloped viruses in human and bovine milk are inactivated by added fatty acids (FAs) and monoglycerides (MGs). FASEB Journal. 1991;5: Abstract 5325, p. A1288. Kabara JJ, Swieczkowski C, et al: Fatty acids and derivatives as antimicrobial agents. Anti microb Agents Chemother. 1972 2(l):23-28. Kabara JJ: Toxicological, Bactericidal and fungicidal properties of fatty acids and some derivatives. JAOCS 56:760-767. Kabara JJ, Vrable R, Lie Ken Jie, MSF: Antimicrobial lipids: Natural and synthetic fatty acids and monoglycerides. Lipids. 12:753759, 1977. Kitahara T, Aoyama Y, et al: In vitro activity of lauric acid or myristylamine in combination with six antimicrobial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Int. J. Antimicrob. Agents. 2006 Jan;27(1):51. ruger MJ, Engelbrecht AM, et al: Dietary red K palm oil reduces ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats fed a hypercholesterolaemic diet. Br J Nutr. 2007 Apr;97(4):653-60. Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, et al: The efficacy of Aloe vera used for burn wound healing: A systematic review. Burns. 2007 Sep;33(6):713-8.
palm oil. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 May 3;54(9):3445-53. Simsek R, Chang-Fong J, et al: Quaternary ammonium 3-(aminoethoxy) pyridines as antinociceptive agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2003 Sep 1;13(17):2917-20. Sundram K, Sambanthamurthi R, Tan YA: Palm fruit chemistry and nutrition. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003 12(3):355-62. Theriault A, Chao J, et al: Tocotrienol: A review of its therapeutic potential. Clin Biochem 1999 32(5):309-319.
Periat J, Bankstahl TM, et al: Selected clinical results from use of HEALx and HEALx complementary therapies. Exotic DVM 9(2):17, 2007.
Theriault A, Wang Q, Gapor A, Adeli K: Effects of g-tocotrienol on ApoB synthesis, degradation, and secretion in HepG2 cells. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 1999 19 (3):704-12.
Peterson ML, Schlievert PM: Glycerol monolaurate inhibits the effects of Gram-positive select agents on eukaryotic cells. Biochem. 2006 Feb 21;45(7):2387-97.
Thorgeirsdottir TO, Hilmarsson H, et al: Development of a virucidal cream containing the monoglyceride monocaprin. Pharmazie. 2005 Dec;60(12):897-9.
Preuss HG, Echard B, et al: Minimum inhibitory concentrations of herbal essential oils and monolaurin for gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria, Mol Cell Biochem. 2005 Apr;272(1-2):29-34.
Thorgeirsdottir TO, Kristmundsdottir T, et al: Antimicrobial activity of monocaprin: a monoglyceride with potential use as a denture disinfectant. Acta Odontol Scand. 2006 Feb;64(1):21-6.
Raederstorff D, Elste V, et al: Effect of either gamma-tocotrienol or a tocotrienol mixture on the plasma lipid profile in hamsters. Ann. Nutr. Metab. 2002 46(1): 17-23.
Thormar H, Hilmarsson H, Bergsson G: Stable concentrated emulsions of the 1-monoglyceride of capric acid (monocaprin) with microbicidal activities against the foodborne bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2006 Jan;72(1):522-6.
Ritchie BW, Harrison GJ, Harrison LR (eds): Avian Medicine: Principles and Application. HBD International, 1994. Rosca-Casiana O, Parvua M, et al: Antifungal activity of Aloe vera leaves. Fitoterapia. 2007 Apr;78(3):219.
Thormar H, Isaacs CE, et al: Inactivation of enveloped viruses and killing of cells by fatty acids and monoglycerides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1987 Jan;31(1):27-31.
Rouse MS, Rotger M, et al: In vitro and in vivo evaluations of the activities of lauric acid monoester formulations against Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2005 Aug;49(8):3187-91.
Vetter SM, Schlievert PM: Glycerol monolaurate inhibits virulence factor production in Aacillus anthracis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2005 Apr;49(4):1302-5.
chaffer S, Muller WE, et al: Tocotrienols: S Constitutional effects in aging and disease. J. Nutr. 2005. 135(2):151-4
Manorama R, et al: Red palm oil for combating vitamin A deficiency. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 1997 6(1): 56-59.
Schlievert PM, Deringer JR, et al: Effect of glycerol monolaurate on bacterial growth and toxin production. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 1992 Mar;36(3):626-31.
anorama R, Rukmini C: Nutritional evaluaM tion of crude palm oil in rats. Am J Clin Nutr 1991 53: 1031S-1033S.
Schroeder MT, Becker EM, Skibsted LH: Molecular mechanism of antioxidant synergism of tocotrienols and carotenoids in
Zhai H, Packman EW, Maibach HI: Effectiveness of ammonium solution in relieving type I mosquito bite symptoms: A doubleblind, placebo-controlled study. Acta Derm Venereol. 1998 Jul;78(4):297.
For additional references and links to PubMed abstracts of selected references, click here.
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Zoological Education Network A HARRISONS’ PET PRODUCTS COMPANY 800-946-4782 • 561-641-6745 Contact your veterinarian or go to www.HEAL-x.com
Our veterinary roots run deep—our families have been caring for animals since the 1920s. In the 1970s, Dr. Greg Harrison moved his family and veterinary practice to a rural farm in South Florida so they could pursue a dream of raising their own food and breeding pet birds. This experience initiated them into a “natural” world, where preventive medicine became the protocol. Dr. Harrison became a recognized leader in avian health and surgery. In 1980, Dr. Harrison launched his own bird food formulation with the help of avian nutritionists. This became the basis for Harrison’s Bird Foods, the first complete certified organic bird food. We were organic before organic was “cool.” Today, we are a collection of small family businesses. The original family, Dr. Harrison, his wife Linda and their two daughters, Tanya and Dana, are still key players in Harrisons’ Pet Products, and they are committed to the same preventive protocols. To us, our family reputation is more important than profit.
Sustainable Farming HEALx dietary supplements are formulated from human-quality, non-GMO, sustainable whole foods. And, because we do not add any synthetic vitamins, our formulas are biochemically available to the animal without the risk of toxicosis. Our supplements are made from ingredients grown on long established farms.
They are not harvested from tropical rainforests where burning for new plantations continues to add to environmental destruction and threaten endangered wildlife. Our farms practice sustainable agriculture protocols and are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Our products are hand-crafted in small batches to ensure the utmost stringent quality and traceability, evident in our compliance to HACCP, ISO22000:2005, GMP Codex and ISO9001:2008 standards.
Our Mission Our mission has always been disease pre vention and promotion of wellness. Most other commercial products just treat clinical signs of a disease and not the animal as a whole.
There is new and ongoing evidence of the negative effects of mega-agriculture on all animals, humans and the planet. The effects range from behavioral and reproductive disorders to immune suppression and cancers. All these issues point to the value of encouraging organic farming, using sustainable resources and being proactive. Through the use of the natural, sustainable products we offer, animals achieve a stronger immune system in order to overcome environmental contaminants. This preventive approach is a compelling distinction of Harrisons’ Pet Products.
A source of non-synthetic, whole food vitamins and precursors with antimicrobial activity for all animals USAGES: • Provides a natural, whole food source of carotenoids (both alpha- and betacarotene, precursors to vitamin A), essential fatty acids, 6 forms of vitamin E, and CoQ10 • Helps prevent disease • Benefits the animal’s skin, coat/ plumage, eyes, heart and “Skillet” - Franklin,TN immune system Has beneficial applications for: • Bacterial sepsis • Microbial disease • Allergies • Skin disorders, such as atopic derma • Sick, weak or immunetitis, lick granulomas, non-healing compromised animals wounds and self-mutilation disorders • Upper respiratory infections
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A source of non-synthetic, whole food vitamins and precursors for everyday wellness in all animals
nd, OH “Seth” & “Janie” - Chesterla
USAGES: • Provides a natural, whole food source of carotenoids (both alpha- and betacarotene, precursors to vitamin A), essential fatty acids, 6 forms of vitamin E, and CoQ10 • Maintains daily wellness • Benefits the animal’s skin, coat/plumage, eyes, heart and immune system • Increases animal's energy • May help alleviate alopecia (hair loss)
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A proprietary blend of sustainable red palm fruit oil enriched with perilla seed oil for increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids
USAGES: • Helps balance the relatively high level of omega-6 fatty acids often found in commercial animal foods • Helps reduce inflammation • May help lower the risk of disorders, such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis and improve cognitive and behavior functions
“Bentley” - Loxahatchee, FL
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A nontoxic topical antimicrobial cream with immediate antipruritic effects for all animals USAGES: • For presumed allergic, bacterial, viral, fungal or yeast dermatological conditions • For animals with pruritis, inflammation and discomfort • May be safely used on all animals—dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, small mammals, birds, reptiles • Does not contain steroids or antibiotics • May be used on animals with skin disorders, such as abscesses, infected lesions, dermatitis, wounds, burns, lick granulomas, bumblefoot, blood feathers, self-mutilation lesions and rectal prolapse • May be used anywhere on the body except the eyes
“Zeus” -
Nashville, TN
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A soothing topical spray with antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects to reduce superficial itching
“Duke” - Lake Worth, FL
USAGES: • May provide soothing relief for skin inflammation, topical irritation and soreness • Promotes healing of sensitive skin and superficial lesions often noted in early self-mutilation cases Has beneficial applications for: • Skin allergies • Urine scald • Mange • Dermatitis Click here to order • Polyfolliculitis
A natural nontoxic hydrating spray USAGES: • Soothes and hydrates dry skin • Promotes skin health • Restores moisture to skin, coat or feathers that have lost normal moisture due to dry, indoor environments • Acceptable for daily use as a natural bath • Reduces dander and dust
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Palma de Mallorca, Spain
An antimicrobial dietary supplement USAGES: • Shown in laboratories worldwide to inactivate some bacteria, viruses and fungi/yeast • Reduces reactive nature of allergens • Helps support the immune system • Helps regulate bowel function • Does not destroy the body’s friendly bacteria or form resistant organisms • Has no contraindications
Before
After
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A high-potency source of important minerals, vitamins and proteins for all animals in a proprietary blend of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cultured on organic non-GMO grains that provides documented health benefits USAGES: • Increases energy and longevity • Promotes proper absorption of nutrients with reduced incidence of disease from food and regulation of normal blood • May improve kidney function in sugar levels animals with gout as well as cases • Improves mental and physical capabilities of malabsorption syndrome or • Stimulates the immune system, including chronic pancreatitis increased T-cell production
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A natural trace mineral and iodine supplement for birds not eating a formulated diet USAGES: • Supplements trace minerals and iodine missing from a seed diet • May enhance feather strength and appearance • May support conversion to a formulated diet by stimulating the appetite • May reduce incidence of fatty liver disease and obesity • May help support the body’s enzymes and promote a healthy immune system
“Waylon” & “Willie” - Brentwoo d, TN
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For complete nutritional information go to www.HEAL-x.com. See product training videos
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Individual results may vary. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Zoological Education Network - A Harrisons’ Pet Products Company 2324 S. Congress Ave, Suite 2A, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Please recycle
800-946-4782 / 561-641-6745 • Fax 561-641-0234 • www.HEALx.com
No More Mess—Just Squeeze & Feed! HEALx Sunshine Factor and Booster are now available in easy-to-use, convenient 15-ml packets, thus eliminating the need to melt or measure the products for administration. No more gooey mess. Just squeeze entire contents of the packet onto 1 pound of food, store and feed normally. These packets are less expensive and more ecological than the 1-oz size because there is 86% less packaging. Sunshine Factor is a non-synthetic, whole food source of nutrients, vitamins and vitamin precursors for everyday wellness in all animals. Booster combines the benefits of Sunshine Factor with added antimicrobial activity for sick or immune-compromised animals or for animals with allergies, self-mutilation issues or skin disorders. Sunshine Factor and Booster are whole food sources of carotenoids (precursors to natural vitamin A, including alpha-carotenes, betacarotenes, lycopene and at least 20 other caro-
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tenes). They both contain 6 non-synthetic forms of vitamin E: 2 forms of tocopherols and all 4 of the tocotrienols (super potent vitamin E), which have 60 times the antioxidant activity of the tocopherols. Sunshine Factor and Booster are also natural, rich sources of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamin K, squalene, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycolipids and phyto-nutrients. Use of the new squeezable foil packets makes dispensing these daily wellness products convenient and uncomplicated. Packets are sold individually and by the case (24).
Non-synthetic, omega-3 fatty acids, whole food nutrients, vitamins and vitamin precursors with antimicrobial activity for sick, weak or immunecompromised animals or animals with allergies or self-mutilation issues.
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USAGES: • Contains 2400 mg omega-3 fatty acids per 1 Tbs to help balance the abundance of omega-6s found in many commercial animal diets • Has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal properties and boosts the animal’s immune system • Reduces the effects of histamine and other chemicals that the animal’s body releases in response to allergies • May inhibit development of tumors • May lower triglyceride levels
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• Helps reduce inflammation • Helps lower the risk of disorders, such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis and improve cognitive and behaviorial functions • Supports the healing of skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, lick granulomas, non-healing wounds, feather destruction and self-mutilation disorders Available in 1-oz, 4-oz and 16-oz bottles and sold by the case (12).
Harrison’s Bird Foods CERTIFIED ORGANIC BIRD FOOD
SUPPLEMENTS / TREATS Power Treats™
HIGH POTENCY Certified Organic Maximum Nutrient Formulas USES: • Year-round formula • Conversion: All birds should start out and remain on High Potency Formula for a period of at least 6 months • Special needs: Birds that are molting, overweight, underweight, particularly active, housed in a cold climate, recovering from an illness or affected by liver or kidney disease • Weaning birds: Feed High Potency Formula for at least 6-9 months. • Breeding birds: Prior to breeding period and until chicks are weaned
High Potency Coarse
™
FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE PARROTS Sample species: African greys, large macaws, Queen of Bavaria conures, Amazons, eclectus, pionus, cockatoos
High Potency Fine™ and Super Fine™ FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM PARROTS AND OTHER PET BIRDS Sample species: conures, lories, quakers, cockatiels, budgies (parakeets), lovebirds, canaries, finches, doves
High Potency Mash™ FOR SMALL PARROTS, CANARIES, FINCHES AND DOVES Sample species: cockatiels, budgies (parakeets), lovebirds, canaries, finches, doves, pigeons
Made with Sunshine Factor® A certified organic, tasty, toasted, healthy supplement USES: • The only food source to temporarily aid in weaning, changing a bird’s diet from seeds or any diet to Harrison’s Bird Food • A supplement for birds already eating Harrison’s Bird Foods that need extra energy following an illness
Harrison’s Bird Bread Mix™ Original, Hot Pepper and Millet & Flax A certified organic mix for home preparation of a treat USES: • A healthy tasty treat • Conversion to a formulated diet • A foraging reward • A vehicle for administering medications
Avian Enzyme™ Live naturally-occurring enzymes for birds with incomplete digestion USES: • Birds with chronic pancreatitis, malabsorption syndrome, proventricular dilatation • Neonates with slow gastrointestinal emptying time, such as Day 1-7 neonates being hand-fed
HAND-FEEDING FORMUL AS
ADULT LIFETIME
Juvenile Hand-feeding Formula™
Certified Organic Maintenance Level Nutrient Formulas
A certified organic, complete, balanced hand-feeding food for parrot chicks until weaned
USES: • After completing a dietary program of High Potency Formula for a period of at least 6 months • Year-round formula maintenance that meets the nutritional requirements for healthy, non-breeding birds
Adult Lifetime Coarse™ and Pepper Lifetime Coarse™* FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE PARROTS Sample species: pionus, Amazons, eclectus, large cockatoos, large macaws *Contains 1% certified organic cayenne pepper
Adult Lifetime Fine and Super Fine™ FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM PARROTS AND OTHER PET BIRDS Sample species: conures, lories, quakers, cockatiels, budgies (parakeets), lovebirds, parrotlets, canaries, finches, dove
Adult Lifetime Mash™ A LOW-ANTIGEN FORMULA FOR ALL COMPANION BIRDS Sample species: conures, cockatiels, parakeets (budgies), lovebirds, parrotlets, canaries, finches, doves, pigeons
USES: • From Day 1 for pionus, African greys, Amazons, cockatoos, conures and macaws; from Day 7 for other parrots; from Day 21 for cockatiels • Birds with normal GI emptying-time that are recovering from illness or injuries and need supplemental feeding • Birds that are losing weight during a diet conversion
Neonate Formula™ A complete, balanced, hand-feeding formula for psittacine chicks from hatching to 1-3 weeks of age • An easily digestible source of nutrients for young birds with a smooth texture for acceptability by birds until they are eating on their own
Recovery Formula™ A complete nutritional, easily assimilated, highly syringeable, support formula for sick or injured birds until they are eating on their own USES: • Birds that have a slowed GI emptying time • Birds that are recovering from pansystemic failure
Want to know more, visit www.HarrisonsBirdFoods.com
Why Are HEALx Topical Products Unique? Our active aloe vera and our nontoxic patented quaternary ammonium solution make our products unique, safe and effective for all species (dogs, cats, exotic mammals, birds and reptiles). Soother Plus®
Soother Spray®
Rain®
A nontoxic topical antimicrobial cream with immediate antipruritic relief for all animals.
A soothing topical spray to reduce superficial itching and provide relief for skin inflammation and irritation.
Ingredients: A patented monoglyceride suspended in active aloe vera distillate and a patented quaternary ammonium solution
Ingredients: Distilled water, active aloe vera distillate and a patented quaternary ammonium solution
A natural nontoxic, convenient, hydrating topical spray to revitalize the animal’s skin, coat or feathers. Ingredients: Distilled water, active aloe vera distillate, wetting agent (0.0001%)
To promote wound healing in the shortest time possible, with minimal pain, discomfort and scarring to the patient, it is important to explore nutritional and botanical influences. Therefore, for best results, our oral supplements, HEALx Booster® or Sunshine Factor®, should be used in conjunction with our topical products.
All Aloes Are Not the Same Why do you use aloe in your topical products?
What is an “aloe vera distillate”?
Our aloe vera has over 200 beneficial components, which has been shown in scientific studies to: • Reduce postoperative pain.22,29 •H elp wound healing. Aloe vera increases the collagen content of the granulation tissue.6,10,11,12,13,
An aloe vera distillate is a liquid that consists of pure components of a aloe vera plant in its most basic form. It is unique in that this aloe vera distillate is comprised of low molecular weight components, thereby enabling the body to assimilate them in the purest hydrophilic form at the cellular level as opposed to the raw plant or a non-distillate. Topical application of these concentrated components at the treatment area allow for higher concentrations than if they were introduced in any other manner. (See Mode of Action on reverse side.)
16,17,22,33
•A ct as an anti-inflammatory (suppresses the inflammatory responses by blocking iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression).16,36,42,48,52 • I nhibit infectious diseases by stimulating the host defense mechanism, especially the phagocytic and killing activities of macrophages.64 • I ncrease re-epithelialization in burn wounds.35,40,43,45
What type of aloe is used in your topical products? HEALx topical products contain the distillate of the Aloe barbadensis (vera) Miller plant.
Is your aloe organically grown? Yes! Although we do not seek the organic certification, our aloe vera is grown on organic farms that also practice sustainable agriculture.
Isn’t aloe toxic to some species? The thick greenish substance just beneath the rind in the latex layer
of the Aloe barbadensis (vera) Miller plant is where the aloins and anthra qinones are located. These substances may be irritants to the GI tract and cause cramping, diarrhea and nausea if ingested. We remove the antagonistic parts of these aloins and anthraqinones, but we do not eliminate them, as they have beneficial properties.
Why don’t you use preservatives in your products? In our aloe, the mucopolysaccharide chain is broken down and the sugars are extracted, which increases the shelf life and eliminates the need to add preservatives (like other brands do).
Mode of Action of Our Aloe Vera There is no single magic ingredient in our aloe vera. The ingredients all work together in a synergistic way to create healing and health benefits. The nine main areas of chemical constituents of our aloe vera include: amino acids, anthraquinones, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, lignins, monosaccharide, polysaccharides, salicylic acid, saponins, and sterols.70 • Naturally-occurring antioxidants: Aloe vera contains vitamins C and E and vitamin A precursors that combat free radicals.6,46 •B radykinase reduces excessive inflammation when applied to skin.62,26 • Saponins are capable of cleansing and having antiseptic properties against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts.1 •C ampesterol, sisosterol, lupeol plant steroids may provide an antiinflammatory effect.2 • Salicylic acid is an aspirin-like compound with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-bacterial properties.6,33 • Anthraquinones, such as aloin and emodin, are phenolic compounds that may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties.1,46 •A mino acids in aloe vera are the building blocks of protein. Animals require 22 amino acids, and their bodies will make all of them except eight essential amino acids. All of these essential amino acids are available in aloe vera as well as most of the other non-essential amino acids.62 Data suggests the topical use of amino acids promotes healing.8 •L ignin endows aloe vera with its penetrative effect and also carries other ingredients. It can penetrate seven dermal layers.1,17 •E nzymes act as biochemical catalysts that break down proteins into amino acids. The main enzymes found in aloe vera are amylase and bradykinase, which stimulate the immune system and act as analgesics and antiinflammatories. Other enzymes include
catalase, cellulase, lipase, oxidase, alkaline phosphatase, proteolytiase (hydrolyses proteins into their constituent elements), creatine phosphokinase and carboxypeptidase.6 Our aloe vera is processed using a special method that preserves the essential properties, which is another unique feature of our topical products. •M inerals (zinc and selenium) combat free radicals.6,46
pain, thereby reducing pain signals. Duration of Action: Duration of pain relief will vary as a function of pathology, but relief starts in minutes and lasts up to hours for many indications. Drug Interactions and Pharmaco dynamic Effects: There are no known significant systemic interactions or adverse effects. Soother® products should not be used with other topical or occlusive lotions, which might block effects. Do not use Soother® products in or around the eyes.
Mode of Action of Our Quaternary Ammonium
The Difference Between the Quaternary Ammonium Neutralizing Effect of Quaternary Compound in the Soother® Ammonium Compounds Products and Disinfectants
Soother Spray® and Soother Plus® contain patented quaternary ammonium compounds, which have a neutralizing effect on pain signals and reduce inflammation and swelling within minutes.
How Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Works Quaternary ammonium is made in the body as proteins. When these agents are synthesized and used topically, they are excellent pain relievers. According to Reversing Arthritis. Health & Healing, “Healthy cells maintain an electrical balance with a positive charge outside the cell and a negative charge inside the cell. When you are injured the cellular membranes are disrupted and their electrical balance is thrown askew. What these quaternary ammonium compounds do (and interestingly, this is the same principle that narcotic and injectable pain medications work on) is reestablish the electrical balance in the cell membranes, thus dulling the pain perception.”69
Clinical Pharmacology Mechanism of Action: The active ingredients in Soother® products, quaternary ammonium compounds and our aloe vera distillates develop ions with a positive potential which, due to the hydrophilic tendencies of the emulsion, are readily transmitted through the skin. This is believed to assist the body in neutralizing the bioelectrical imbalances in an area of
Quaternary ammonium is composed of a large group of substances that vary in their toxicity based on the bonds in the individual compound. Ammonium compounds found in Soother® products are from the quad 18 and 28 groups, which are commonly found in human skin and hair products designed to touch the skin. Disinfectants and cleaners are not in the 18/28 group and have higher levels of toxicity based on the individual compounds used. (Some disinfectants and cleaners are a third-generation quaternary ammonium that has been combined with bis[tri-n-butyltin] oxide for strong bacterial-, fungal- and viral-killing power.) The Soother® products do not contain ammonium products in any of these groups. In addition, the above concentrations in disinfectants and cleaners are much higher than the 18/28 compounds found in Soother® products which are less than 2.5% total. Although ingestion of these compounds should be limited, ingestion at the concentrations found in the Soother® products would be similar to ingesting a small amount of soap. No adverse effects have been seen in clinical trials.
References Scan the QR code for a list references and further reading.
The content of this document has been condensed for space. It was developed by veterinary experts using available medical evidence and should be used as a guide only. Specific treatment advice should be sought from a veterinarian.
2324 S. Congress Ave, Suite 2A, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Tel: 800-946-4782 or 561-641-6745 Fax: 561-641-0234
www.HEALx.com
®
Harrisons’ Pet Products 2324 S Congress Ave, Ste 2A West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Tel: 800-946-4782 / 561-641-6745 Fax: 561-641-0234 www.HEAL-x.com
®
Sunshine Factor® A Sustainable Red Palm Fruit Oil
PRODUCT: Sunshine Factor® KOSHER CERTIFICATION: Yes COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Varies, depending on season QUALITY PARAMETERS This product is produced and processed under hygienic conditions. Product is not irradiated or produced with genetically modified materials. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION This oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the palm tree Elaeis guineensis. The palm trees are cultivated and the oil is physically extracted (by mechanical pressing) without the use of solvents or other chemical substances. Due to the natural antioxidants (tocotrienols) and their low content of linolenic acid (C18:3), this oil is very stable to oxidation. It is semi-solid at ambient temperature. Sometimes a phase separation occurs, which is due to its typical composition, with approximately 50% saturated fatty acids, 40% monounsaturated fatty acids and 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Smell: Product specific, free from rancid and foreign smell Color: Reddish-orange Taste: Product specific, free from rancid and foreign taste PACKAGING AND STORAGE Kind of packing: Packed into glass containers at a certified organic bottling facility. Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Max. Shelf life: 18 months after production
Values are typical, for general information only, and are not to be construed as specifications. All descriptions, suggestions, and typical values supplied above are believed to be reliable, but Zoological Education Network shall incur no liability by reason of inaccuracies or omissions in this information. Purchaser assumes sole responsibility for ensuring that product supplied by Zoological Education Network is used in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations.
Nutritional Values (100 g) Energy 900 kcal/3790 kj Carbohydrate 0g Protein 0g Total Fat 100 g Saturates 49 g Trans Fats 0g Fiber 0g Sodium 0 mg Chemical Properties Free Fat Acid (% Palmitic) ≤5 Peroxide Value (meq/kg) ≤6 Moisture and Impurities (%) ≤1 Melting Point (°C) 34-38 Iodine Value (wijjs) 51-55 2-4 DOBI Phosphorus (ppm) ≤30 Iron (ppm) ≤10 Specific Weight (g/cm3) 0.891-0.899 Refraction Number (nd /50) 1.454-1.456 Saponification Value (mg/g) 190-209 Unsaponifiable Matter (%) ≤1.2 Total Carotene (ppm) 500-1200 Solid Fat Content SFC at 10°C 50±3 SFC at 20°C 21±3 SFC at 25°C 12.5±2 SFC at 30°C 8±2 SFC at 35°C 5±2 SFC at 40°C 2.5±1.5 SFC at 45°C <1 Fatty acid composition Lauric Acid C12:0 Myristic Acid C14:0 Palmitic Acid C16:0 Palmitoleic Acid C16:1 Stearic Acid C18:0 Oleic Acid C18:1 Linoleic Acid C18:2 Linolenic Acid C18:3 Arachidic Acid C20:0 Trans Acid —
<0.4 0.5-2.0 35-47 <0.6 3.5-6.5 36-47 6.5-15 <0.5 <1 Traces
®
Booster Concentrate ®
A patented highly purified distilled monoglyceride HEALx Booster® Concentrate is a patented highly purified distilled monoglyceride. It is used in HEALx Soother Plus® and Booster® products, and may be administered orally in the concentrated form. TECHNICAL INFORMATION It is important to know what a monoglyceride like monolaurin (Booster® Concentrate) is. For visualization, a monoglyceride is composed of glycerin joined with one fatty acid (see drawing below). In this illustration, “sn” represents the glycerol carbon position, “n” the length and “R” the kind of fatty acid attached to glycerol.
A monoglyceride (MG) lipid, of which there are two kinds, will have only one fatty acid attached to the sn1(3)- or the sn2position of glycerol. The fatty acids in the sn1 and sn3 positions are similar since they occupy a position at either end of the glycerol molecule. However, not all monoglycerides are the same since the fatty acid can occupy the end position sn1(3) of glycerol or the middle sn2 position. Their structural differences need to be emphasized. It is important therefore to remember these structural sn designations because they reflect the different biological metabolism of the two monoglycerides. Where there are two fatty acids attached to glycerin, the lipid is known as a diglyceride (DG). If three fatty acids are attached, the lipid is known as a triglyceride (TG) or simply as a fat. The antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal properties of lauric acid and monolaurin have been recognized for nearly three decades by only a small number of researchers: their work, however, has resulted in 100 or more research papers and numerous U.S. and foreign patents. While nontoxic and approved as a GRAS direct food additive by the FDA, Booster® Concentrate adversely affects bacteria, yeast, fungi, protozoa and enveloped viruses. Researchers found that the properties that determine the antiinfective action of lipids are related to their structure: e.g., free fatty acids and monoglycerides. While the monoglycerides are active, diglycerides and triglycerides (fats) are inactive. Of the saturated fatty acids, lauric acid has greater antiviral activity than caprylic acid (C-8), capric acid (C-10), or myristic acid (C-14). Fatty acids and monoglycerides produce their killing/inactivating effects by several mechanisms. An early postulated mechanism was the perturbing of the plasma membrane lipid bilayer.
The antiviral action attributed to monolaurin is that of fluidizing the structure in the envelope of the virus, causing the disintegration of the microbial membrane. More recent studies indicate that one antimicrobial effect in bacteria is related to monolaurin’s interference with signal transduction/toxin formation (Projan et al 1994). Another antimicrobial effect in viruses is due to lauric acid’s interference with virus assembly and viral maturation (Homung et al 1994). The third mode of action may be on the immune system itself (Witcher et al 1996). MICROORGANISMS INACTIVATED BY BOOSTER® CONCENTRATE IN LABORATORY STUDIES VIRUSES • HIV or HIV-1, -6 • Herpes simplex virus-i (HSV-1 & 2) • Measles virus • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) • Influenza virus • Leukemia virus • Semliki forest virus • Human papillomavirus (HPV) BACTERIA Gram-positive organisms • Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) • Listeria monocytogenes • Staphylococcus aureus • Groups A, B, F & G streptococci • Streptococcus agalactiae • Mycobacterium sp. • Clostridium perfringens
• Visna virus • Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) • Rubella virus • Respiratory syncytial virus • Dengue virus (Type 1-4) • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis • Pneumovirus
Gram-negative organisms • Chlamydia pneumoniae • Neisseria gonorrhoeae • Helicobacter pylorus • Mycoplasma pneumoniae • Vibrio parahaemolyticus
OTHERS IF USED CONCURRENTLY WITH A CHELATOR Yeasts, fungi and molds • Penicillium citrinum • Aspergillus niger • Candida utilis • Saccharomyces cerevisiae • A number of protozoa-like • Ringworm or tinea Giardia lamblia (Trichophyton) • Malassezia sp.
ANTIVIRAL EFFECTS Hierholzer and Kabara (1982) first reported the antiviral activity of the monoglyceride of lauric acid (monolaurin) on viruses that affect humans. They showed virucidal effects of monolaurin on enveloped RNA and DNA viruses. This work was done at the Centers for Disease Control of the U.S. Public Health Service. This study was carried out using selected virus prototypes or recognized representative strains of enveloped human viruses. All these viruses have a lipid membrane. The presence of a lipid membrane on viruses makes them especially vulnerable to lauric acid and its derivative monolaurin. These initial findings from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been confirmed by many other investigators.
Research has shown that enveloped viruses are inactivated by added fatty acids and monoglycerides in both human and bovine milk (Isaacs et al 1991). Others (Isaacs et al 1986, 1991; Thormar, et al 1987) have confirmed original statements concerning the effectiveness of monolaurin. Some of the viruses inactivated by these lipids are the measles virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and -2), herpes family members (HIV, hepatitis C, vesicular, stomatitis virus [VSV], visna virus, and cytomegalovirus [CMV]). Many of the pathogenic organisms reported to be inactivated by these antimicrobial lipids are those known to be responsible for opportunistic infections in HIV-positive individuals. For example, concurrent infection with cytomegalovirus is recognized as a serious complication for HIV-positive individuals (Macallan et al 1993). Thus, it would appear imperative to investigate the practical aspects and the potential benefit of a nutritional supplement such as Booster® Concentrate for microbial-infected individuals. Until now few nutritionists in the mainstream nutrition community seem to have recognized the added benefit of antimicrobial lipids in the support of infected patients. These antimicrobial fatty acids and their derivatives are essentially nontoxic to man. According to the published research, lauric acid is one of the best “inactivating” fatty acids, and its monoglyceride is even more effective than the fatty acid alone (Kabara 1978, Sands et al 1979, Fletcher et al 1985, Kabara 1985). It should be emphasized that lauric acid cannot be taken orally because it is severally irritating. Booster® Concentrate, on the other hand is a derivative of lauric acid chemically bonded to glycerin to form monolaurin and can be taken orally without any problem. ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS The potentially pathogenic bacteria inactivated by monolaurin include Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Groups A, streptococci-gram-positive organisms, and some gramnegative organisms (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Helicobacter pylori). Decreased growth of Staphylococcus aureus and decreased production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-l were shown with monolaurin (Holland et al 1994). Monolaurin was 5000 times more inhibitory against Listeria monocytogenes than ethanol (Oh & Marshall 1993). In vitro monolaurin rapidly inactivated Helicobacter pylori. Of greater significance there appears to be very little development of resistance of
the organisms to the bactericidal effects (Petschow et al 1996) of these natural antimicrobials. A number of fungi, yeast and protozoa are also inactivated or killed by monolaurin. The fungi include several species of ringworm (Isaacs et al 1991). The yeast reported to be affected is Candida albicans (Isaacs et al 1991). The protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia is killed by monoglycerides from hydrolyzed human milk (Hemell et al 1986, Reiner et al 1986, Crouch et al 1991, Isaacs et al 1991). Chlamydia trachomatis is inactivated by monolaurin (Bergsson et al 1998). Hydrogels containing monocaprin/monolaurin are potent in vitro inactivators of sexually transmitted viruses, such as HSV-2 and HIV-1, as well as bacteria, such as Neisserian gonorrhea (Thormar et al 1999). Monolaurin does not appear to have an adverse effect on desirable gut bacteria but rather on only potentially pathogenic microorganisms. For example, Isaacs et al (1991) reported no inactivation of the common Esherichia coli or Salmonella enteritidis by monolaurin, but major inactivation of Hemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus epidermis and Group B gram-positive Streptococcus. THE PROBLEM OF ANTIBIOTICS The phenomenal rate of prescriptions dispensed for antibiotic use, and to a lesser extent antiviral use, has grown exponentially in the past several decades. An antibiotic has limited specificity and generally does not recognize “good” bacteria (often referred to as probiotics or for life) from “bad” bacteria (meaning those bacteria that may cause disease). Antibiotics try to destroy all bacteria and are usually unsuccessful. More antibiotic therapy may start perpetuating a chronic illness. The cycle of antibiotic therapy may go on for months and months, and repetitious indiscriminate use of antibiotics destroys weak bacteria and sets up the stage for the more virulent bacteria to survive (as in survival of the fittest). The new, stronger pathogenic bacteria are now “resistant” to the established antibiotic, and another antibiotic must be found to fight the new pathogen. We are rapidly approaching that point in history of having super bacteria: disease-causing bacteria that are unaffected by any antibiotic. The great advantage of Booster® Concentrate is that it does not produce resistant microorganisms during use.
REFERENCES Bergsson G, Arnfinnsson J, et al: In vitro inactivation of Chlamydia trachomatis by fatty acids and monoglycerides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1998 Sep;42(9):2290-4. Crouch AA, Seow WK, et al: Effect of human milk and infant milk formulae on adherence of Giardia intestinalis. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1991;85:617-619. Fletcher RD, Albers AC, et al: Effect of Monoglycerides on Mycoplasma pneumoniae Growth. In: The Pharmacological Effect of Lipids 11, Kabara JJ (ed) American Oil Chemists’ Society: Champaign, Illinois, pp 59-63 (1985). Hierholzer JC, Kabara JJ: In Vitro Effects of Monolaurin Compounds on Enveloped RNA and DNA Viruses. J of Food Safety 4:1-12 (1982). Holland KT, Taylor D, Farrell AM: The effect of glycerol monolaurate on growth of, and production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and lipase by Staphylococcus aureus. J of Antimicrobial Chemo 1994;33:41-55.
Homung B, Arntmann E, Sauer G: Lauric acid inhibits the maturation of vesicular storriatitis virus. J of General Virology 1994;75:353- 361. Isaacs CE, Schneidman K: Enveloped Viruses in Human and Bovine Milk are Inactivated by Added Fatty Acids (FAs) and Monoglycerides (MGs). FASEB Journal 1991;5: Abstract 5325, p. A1288. Isaacs CE, Thormar H: Membrane-disruptive effect of human milk: inactivation of enveloped viruses. J of Infectious Diseases 1986; 154:966-971. Isaacs CE, Thormar H: The role of milkderived antimicrobial lipids as antiviral and antibacterial agents. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1991;310:159-65. Kabara JJ, Ohkawa M, et al: Examinations on Antitumor Immunological, and Plant-Growth Inhibitory Effects of Monoglycerides of Caprylic, Capric, and Lauric Acids and Related Compounds. In: The Pharmacological Effect of Lipids 11, Kabara JJ (ed. American Oil Chemists’ Society: Champaign, Illinois, pp. 263-272 (1985).
Kabara JJ (ed): The Pharmacological Effects of Lipids II, American Oil Chemists’ Society: Champaign, Illinois (1985). Flournoy DJ, Kabara JJ: The Role of LauricidinÆ as an Antimicrobial Agent. In: Drugs of Today 21(8):373-377 (1985). Macallan DC, Noble C, et al: Prospective analysis of patterns of weight change in stage IV human immunodeficiency virus infection. Am J Clin Nutr. 1993 Sep;58(3):417-24. Oh DH, Marshall DL: Antimicrobial activity of ethanol, glycerol monolaurate or lactic acid against Listeria monocytogenes. Int J Food Microbiol. 1993 Dec;20(4):239-46. Petschow BW, Batema RP, Ford LL: susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to bactericidal properties of medium-chain monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1996 Feb;40(2):302-6.
Jul;176(14):4204-9. Sands J, Auperin D, Snipes W: Extreme sensitivity of enveloped viruses, including herpes simplex, to long-chain unsaturated monoglycerides and alcohols. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1979 Jan;15(1):67-73. Thormar H, Bergsson G, et al: Hydrogels containing monocaprin have potent microbicidal activities against sexually transmitted viruses and bacteria in vitro. Sex Transm Infect. 1999 Jun;75(3):181-5. Thormar H, Isaacs CE, et al: Inactivation of enveloped viruses and killing of cells by fatty acids and monoglycerides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1987 Jan;31(1):27-31. Witcher KJ, Novick RP, Schlievert PM: Modulation of immune cell proliferation by glycerol monolaurate. Clin and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology 1996;3:10-13.
Projan SJ, Brown-Skrobot S, et al: Glycerol monolaurate inhibits the production of betalactamase, toxic shock toxin-1, and other staphylococcal exoproteins by interfering with signal transduction. J Bacteriol. 1994
Harrisons’ Pet Products PO Box 541749, Lake Worth FL 33454 Tel: 800-946-4782 or 561-641-6745 www.HEAL-x.com www.HarrisonsPetProducts.com
Fax: 561-641-0234
Pharmacological Properties of Aloe Vera ALOE VERA CONTAINS: • Naturally-occurring antioxidants: vitamins C and E and vitamin A precursors • Bradykinase: reduces excessive inflammation when applied to skin • Mucopolysaccharides: immunoregulating effect • Anthraquinones: aloin and emodin, which are phenolic compounds found in plant sap (These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties.) • Saponins: antiseptic-antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal properties • Campesterol, sisosterol, lupeol: plant steroids that may provide an anti-inflammatory effect • Salicyclic acid: provides an anti-inflammatory effect • Amino acids • Lignin: endows Aloe vera with its penetrative effect and carries other ingredients • Is a “cooling herb”: most feather and skin conditions are referred to as “warm” disorders
HEALx Rain and Soother products have active Aloe vera. ®
®
REFERENCES Avijgan M: Phytotherapy: an alternative treatment for non-healing ulcers. J-WoundCare, 2004;13(4):157-8. Chithra P, Sajithlal GB, Chandrakasan G: Influence of Aloe vera on collagen characteristics in healing dermal wounds in rats. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998;181:71–76.) Choi SW, Son BW, Son YS, et al: The wound-healing effect of a glycoprotein fraction isolated from aloe vera. Br J Dermatol. 2001 Oct;145(4):535-45 Davis RH, Kabbani JM, Maro NP: Aloe vera and wound healing. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 1987;4:165-69.
Duansak D, Somboonwong J, Patumraj S: Effects of Aloe vera on leukocyte adhesion and TNF-a and IL-6 levels in burn wounded rats. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2003;29(3-4):239-46
Ibo S, Teradaira R, Beppu H, et al: Porperties and pharmacological activities of carboxypepsidase in aloe aborescens Miller. var. natalensis berger. Phytother Res (spec. issue)1993:26-29.
Fujita K, Teradaira R, Nagatsu T: Bradykinase activity of aloe vera extract. Biochemical Pharmacology 1976;25:205.
Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Niruntraporn S, Kongkaew C: The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: A systematic review. Burns. 2007 Sep;33(6):713-8.
Heggers JP, Kucukcelebi A, Listengarten D, et al: Beneficial effects of aloe on wound healing in an excisional wound model. J Alt Complement Med 1996;2:271-77. Heggers JP, Pelley RD, Robson MC: Beneficial effects of aloe in wound healing. Phytother Res 1993;7:48-52.
Obata M, Ibo S, Beppu H, et al: Mechanism of anti-inflammatory and antithermal burn action of C pase from Aloe aborescens miller var. natalensis berger in rats and mice. Phytother Res (spec. issue)1993;7:530-33.
Rosca-Casiana O, Parvua M, Vlaseb L, Tamasc M: Antifungal activity of Aloe vera leaves. Fitoterapia. 2007 Apr;78(3):21922. Shelton RM: Aloe vera: its chemical and therapeutical properties. Int J Dermatology 1991;30:679-83. Visuthikosol V, Chowchuen B, Sukwanarat Y, et al: Effect of aloe vera gel in the healing of burn wound: a clinical and histologic study. J Med Assoc Thai 1995;78:403–9. Yamaguchi I, Mega N, Sanada H: Components of the gel of aloe vera. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1993;8:1350-52.
Tips to Reduce Feather Destructive Behaviors
Products created with your bird’s health in mind
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Available through your avian veterinarian or HARRISONS’ PET PRODUCTS Tel: 800-946-4782 or 561-641-6745 Web: www.HarrisonsPetProducts.com
Zoological Education Network A HARRISONS’ PET PRODUCTS COMPANY PO Box 541749, Lake Worth FL 33454 800-946-4782 / 561-641-6745 www.HarrisonsPetProducts.com
Companion Bird Care S E R I E S
Support for Feather Destructive Behaviors in Companion Birds FEATHER DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN PET BIRDS IS A COMPLEX ISSUE
WHAT TO DO UNTIL A DIAGNOSIS IS MADE BY AN AVIAN VETERINARIAN
There are many reasons that may induce the bird to destroy its own feathers (as opposed to feather loss from other causes).
Treatments for feather destructive behaviors vary considerably but should be based on the individual assessment with an attempt to address the underlying factors as well as the psychogenic manifestations.1
Causes May Include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
General malnutrition Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid Pain Osteoporosis Atherosclerosis Endocrine disorders Parasites Hepatopathy (liver disease) Granulomas Ectopic eggs Egg-related peritonitis Boredom and other behavioral problems Excess salt in diet (e.g., cockatoos) Genetic Lack of social interaction Nesting frustration Excessive hormones Improper wing clips Cage mate aggression Uropygial gland impaction Aspergillosis in feather follicles Giardiasis Thyroid disorders Pancreatitis Malabsorption Mycotoxins Food allergies (e.g., peanuts, sunflower seeds) Dander from other birds Fear/panic following traumatic episode
Suggested Diet Changes • Provide a balanced formulated diet (organic is preferred). Go to www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/ ourfoods for tips on conversion to a formulated diet. • Consider offering a low-antigen formula without corn and sunflower seed ingredients, such as Harrison’s Adult Lifetime™ Mash. • Administer HEALx/AVIx Booster®* dietary supplement. (Natural remedies often take longer than drugs before results are realized. Give recommended dose daily for 3-4 weeks before evaluating results.) • Avoid feeding products with high sodium content (3 mg or more per serving). • Avoid or reduce food items that are high in carbohydrates and sugar to reduce the bird’s nesting frustration. • Offer your bird 1 organic whole flax seed per 30 g body weight per day.
Avoid Nesting Behavior • Avoid doing anything that could stimulate nesting behavior in your bird, such as cuddling or stroking the feathers. • Prevent your bird from bonding with a favorite toy or mirror. • Avoid dark hiding places in the enclosure that could simulate a nest.
Topical Relief • Apply HEALx/AVIx Soother® Spray* or HEALx/ AVIx Soother® Plus cream* (depending on severity) topically to affected areas. Soother® Plus contains the addition of an antimicrobial for a nontoxic alternative to antibiotics for management of skin disorders. Several treatments per day may be required to manage condition. • Provide an occasional opportunity for bath, shower, or misting (at least weekly) with HEALx/AVIx Rain®* or water.
Environmental Enrichment • Encourage pet birds to be more involved in all family activities. • Provide opportunities for your bird to exercise, such as flying in a protected location. • Provide a foraging tree/stand and foraging toys (where food is not so easily available) to reduce boredom. For more information about foraging go to www.exoticdvm.com/dvd. • Offer your bird opportunities for protected outdoor exposure to sunlight (not through glass) for a natural source of vitamin D.
*HEALx/AVIx products are available through your avian veterinarian or Harrisons' Pet Products, www.HarrisonsPetProducts.com.
References and Further Reading 1. Ness R: Integrative therapies. In Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL (eds): Clinical Avian Medicine. Spix Pub, 2006, p 357. 2. Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL (eds): Clinical Avian Medicine. Spix Pub, 2006. 3. Ritchie BW, Harrison GJ, Harrison LR (eds): Avian Medicine: Principles and Application. Wingers Pub, 1994.
Valuable phytonutrients in Sunshine Factor®
Carotenes in Sunshine Factor® Lycopene a-zeacarotene b-zeacarotene Neurosporene d-carotene g-carotene x-carotene cis-a-carotene a-carotene b-carotene cis-b-carotene Phytoene Phytofluene
% 1.3 0.2 0.7 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.7 2.5 35.1 56.0 0.6 1.3 0.1
References 1. T heriault A, Chao J, et al. Tocotrienol: A review of its therapeutic potential. Clin Biochem 32(5):309-319, 1999. 2. Sundram K, Sambanthamurthi R, Tan YA: Palm fruit chemistry and nutrition. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 12(3):355-62, 2003. 3. B oateng J, Verghese M, Chawan CB, et al: Red palm oil suppresses the formation of azoxymethane (AOM) induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in Fisher 344 male rats. Food Chem Toxicol. Oct;44(10):1667-73, 2006. 4. Barceló-Coblijn G, Murphy EJ: Alpha-linolenic acid and its conversion to longer chain n-3 fatty acids: benefits for human health and a role in maintaining tissue n-3 fatty acid levels. Prog Lipid Res. 2009 Nov;48(6):355-374.
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Sunshine Factor and Omega-3 Sunshine Factor
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Antioxidant Levels of Vitamin E* Complex in Sunshine Factor® Tocopherol & Tocotrienol α - tocopherol α - tocotrienol β - tocotrienol γ - tocopherol γ - tocotrienol δ - tocotrienol Total
Sunshine Factor® (mg/kg) 211.0 237.6 181.2 13.7 291.3 43.4 978.2
* Vitamin E is a generic name referring to alpha tocopherol. Values are typical, for general information only, and are not to be construed as specifications. All descriptions, suggestions, and typical values supplied above are believed to be reliable, but Zoological Education Network shall incur no liability by reason of inaccuracies or omissions in this information. Purchaser assumes sole responsibility for ensuring that product supplied by Zoological Education Network is used in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations.
Individual results may vary. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Zoological Education Network A Harrisons’ Pet Products Company 2324 S. Congress Ave, Ste 2A, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 800-946-4782 • www.HEALx.com
Sunshine Factor® and Omega-3 Sunshine Factor® • Made from the palm fruit, not the kernel • Bottled in glass containers • Sustainable and certified Kosher • No genetically modified organisms (GMOs) • Whole food, non-synthetic nutrients and vitamin precursors for daily wellness
What are the Differences?
Kernel
fruit oil vs. kernel oil Sunshine Factor® is red palm oil, but it is made from the palm fruit, not the kernel. Each red palm tree yields more palm kernel oil than fruit oil, which Fruit (Sunshine makes the fruit oil more valuable. Many Factor®) lesser quality red palm oil products are diluted with the more abundant red palm kernel oil. Palm kernel oils do not have the same health benefits for pets as Sunshine Factor.® Sunshine factor® Product DESCRIPTION • Sunshine Factor® is extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the palm tree Elaeis guineensis. • Omega-3 Sunshine Factor® is red palm fruit oil enhanced with perilla seed oil for extra omega-3 fatty acid levels (ALA—a precursor to DHA and EPA4) – 2400 mg per Tbs. All Sunshine Factor® products are hand-crafted in small batches to ensure the best quality possible. They do not contain any trans fats, artificial colors or additives and are free of any GMOs. Our refining process and finished products are all preservative- and chemical-free. Due to the natural antioxidants (tocotrienols) and their low content of linolenic acid (C18:3), this oil is very stable against oxidation. COLOR AND SOLIDITY VARIATION Because Sunshine Factor® is a natural product, color and solidity may vary from batch to batch. The consistency is temperature-dependent. It is semi-solid at ambient temperatures. Scientific analysis is conducted on each batch of Sunshine Factor® to ensure consistency of composition. Phase separation is a natural property of Sunshine Factor® due to its typical composition, with approximately 50% saturated fatty acids, 40% monounsaturated fatty acids and 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids. It Solidified fat particles may also contain solidified fat parti- called stearin (“white balls”) are normal cles called stearin (“white balls”); occurrences with red palm fruit oil. this is a normal occurrence.
glass vs. plastic Sunshine Factor® is bottled in glass containers, which helps prevent leaching contamination issues and preserves freshness. Palm fruit oil becomes liquid at 80°F (27°C), and melting is sometimes recommended for dosing. Therefore, we specifically do not use plastic containers, as toxins may leach out and be absorbed into the oil. sustainable agriculture Sunshine Factor® is a sustainable agricultural product grown on long established farms. It is not harvested from tropical rainforests in locations where burning for new plantations continues to add to the destruction of tropical rainforests and threaten endangered wildlife. Our farms are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). They are also certified as Fair Trade farms, where workers are paid a fair wage. quality assurance Our red palm fruit supplier owns and manages the sustainable palm plantations, which enables us to provide you with products that meet the utmost stringent quality and traceability, evident in our compliance to HACCP, ISO 22000:2005, GMP Codex and ISO9001:2008 standards. Being vertically integrated, quality control is closely supervised and monitored—from the plantation and milling stages to packaging. This integration ensures quality of all products supplied from the farm to the market place. Sunshine Factor® is thoroughly tested for freshness and purity. Sunshine Factor® is also certified Kosher. Tocopherols and tocotrienols Vitamin E consists of two therapeutic groups of vitamin complex compounds: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Each group comprises four different isomers—alpha, beta, gamma and delta; each has a different biological activity and therapeutic benefit. Sunshine Factor® and Omega-3 Sunshine Factor® are high in natural tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocopherols are present in most vegetable oils and are more common than tocotrienols, which are found at high concentrations in Sunshine Factor.® Tocotrienols have significantly better antioxidant capabilities than tocopherols. The primary function of vitamin E is to defend cell membranes from oxidation, and the superior protective value of tocotrienol isomers over their tocopherol counterparts is due to better uptake into the cell membranes.1
SUNSHINE FACTOR® BENEFITS Vitamin precursors from natural sources have been found to have more potent positive health benefits and fewer side effects than those from synthetic sources. Sunshine Factor®: • Is a whole food source of carotenoids (precursors to natural vitamin A, including alpha-carotenes, betacarotenes, lycopene and at least 20 other carotenes) • Is a non-synthetic source of 6 forms of vitamin E. In addition to 2 forms of tocopherols, Sunshine Factor® contains all 4 of the tocotrienols (super potent vitamin E), which have 60 times the antioxidant activity of the tocopherols • Is a natural, rich source of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) • Supplies fatty acids essential for proper growth • Is packed with vitamin K, squalene, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycolipids and phytonutrients important for optimum health • Is beneficial for all aspects of the skin, coat or plumage, including dry skin, dull hair or brittle feathers • May benefit the animal’s eyes and heart • May improve the animal’s energy level, particularly in geriatric, pediatric or weak patients • May improve the effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs • Is easy to administer because animals like the taste • Is safe and effective for all species (dogs, cats, other mammals, birds, reptiles) without any side effects Omega-3 Sunshine Factor®: • Contains 2400 mg omega-3 fatty acids per 1 Tbs • May help lower the risk of certain disorders, such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis • May improve cognitive and behavioral functions • May help improve circulation and reduce inflammation • Is an efficient vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids
PACKAGING AND STORAGE Sunshine Factor® may be stored in the refrigerator or cabinet away from direct sunlight. Use before “Best by” date located on the bottom of the bottle. The omega-3 blend should be used within 8 weeks after opening. Our proprietary formula contains all 4 tocotrienols, which serve as natural preservatives. This action ensures increased stability and extended shelf life and provides beneficial antioxidants without artificial preservatives.