A V I A N  C A S E S The Use of HEALx Soother Spray, Sunshine Factor and Rain for an Amazon Parrot in a Feather Picking Case Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM Before - The bird had been a chronic feather picker from the age of 3. Day 35 - Five weeks after treatment, improvement can be seen. Day 56 - Three weeks later. Day 131  - After An Amazon parrot that had been partially raised by humans began feather picking at the age of 3 years. At presentation, it was recommended for the bird to be fed on  Harrison's High Potency Coarse Grind. In addition, HEALx Sunshine Factor was added to the formulated food (10 ml per 500 g food). HEALx Soother Spray was applied topically for 3 consecutive days followed on the 4th day by a rinse with HEALx Rain. The procedure was continued in this cycle. At the same time, the bird was provided with toys and the opportunity to spend some time outdoors. After the first 2 weeks, the bird stopped pulling the feathers. Although it took awhile for the new feathers to grow back, the bird appeared to enjoy the spray baths and limited time in the sun, which resulted in normal preening behavior that did not involve feather destruction. After 4 months on the above program, the bird has not shown any signs of feather destruction. One factor in this success may have been making the bird's life interesting and entertaining. The Use of HEALx Booster and Soother Plus to Treat Gout in a Budgerigar Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM    Before - Day 0 Day 1 Day 5 Day 7 Day 10 Day 18 After - Day 27 After - Day 27 Gout in birds is expressed as uric acid deposits in joints and membranes. The typical treatment protocol, which has had only limited success, is removal of the deposits. We have started administering HEALx Booster to birds that exhibit signs of gout and have seen promising results. In this case, a budgerigar was presented with clinical signs of gout; it had lost considerable weight and the prognosis was poor. Booster was administered at the dose of 0.2 ml PO daily mixed with Harrison’s Hand-feeding Formula for 1 week. Thereafter, Booster (1 tsp) was mixed with the seed diet the bird had been eating. At the same time, HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied topically to the bird’s feet daily for the first week. No other treatment was given. The bird recovered by Day 27. _________________________ The Use of HEALx Booster Concentrate and Booster and Soother Plus for a Canary with Avian Pox Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM Before - Day 0 Before - Day 0 Day 14 Day 14 A canary presented with an avian pox virus infection. The bird was treated with a combination of 1 tsp HEALx Booster Concentrate (crushed), 1 Tbs HEALx Booster and 0.5 kg seeds). HEALx Soother Plus cream was to be applied on the lesions twice a day. _________________________ The Use of HEALx Soother Plus on a Cockatiel with a Fracture and Lesions Stephen Wyler, DVM Trylon Vet Care PC Forest Hills, NY Before - Day 0 Day 29 A 15-year-old, 78-g female cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was presented with a pathological fracture of the left tibiotarsus. The bird had a history as a chronic egg layer. The animal was placed in a splint and treated with Lupron, Neocal, Baytril and a low dose of Metacam. The splint was removed 46 days later (Day 0) and the leg had an ulcerative lesion and was still unstable. The leg was coated with HEALx Soother Plus cream and a telfa pad and the splint was replaced. The cockatiel was also treated with Clindamycin, Metacam and Pet Tinic. The Lupron and Neocal were continued at the same dose. The bird  was also weaned onto Harrison’s High Potency Fine Grind at this time. The splint was removed 30 days later and leg had healed and had feather regrowth. The cockatiel continues to eat Harrison’s, and Lupron is still being administered to prevent egg laying. _________________________ The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in an African Grey Parrot Self-mutilation Case Ariana Finkelstein, DVM San Antonio, TX Before - Day 0. Right foot with missing digits and nails Day 4. Bandages were changed daily. Day 4. The exposed bone was granulated over with a healthy new granulation bed. Day 11. The toes were healing well and the wounds were granulating. After After A 9-year-old, 409-g African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) presented as an emergency for severe self mutilation of its toes. The bird was stabilized, and butorphanol was administered for pain management. Warmed lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS) was given for shock, and the bird’s feet were scrubbed with chlorhexidine. HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied to the area, and the feet were bandaged (ball bandage). The bird was placed in an incubator to allow for further stabilization after which a more complete physical examination was performed.    Surgical correction of the wounds was discussed but declined by the owner; additional treatment options were also declined. The bird was relinquished to our facility. The patient was started on trimethoprim sulfa while the wounds healed; meloxicam (Metacam) was administered for pain and inflammation. Bandages were changed daily under light sedation with butorphanol and midazolam (Fig 2). The wounds were scrubbed with chlorhexidine and rinsed with saline, and Soother Plus was applied. This routine was continued daily for approximately 1 week.    Within 4 days of starting therapy with Soother Plus, the exposed bone was covered with a healthy new granulation bed (Fig 3).  On Day 4 blood work was performed. The bird was confirmed female by DNA. The chlamydia DNA/PCR test was negative. A complete blood count was performed. The primary rule out was inflammation. A chemistry panel was also performed. A decreased A/G ratio with hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia may result from decreased albumin synthesis as observed in hepatic failure or chronic inflammation or increased albumin loss due to renal or gastro­intestinal disease.    On Day 8 the blood work was repeated. Because the WBC continued to increase, itraconazole was added. The bird weighed 419 g and was doing well. On Day 11 the toes were healing well with no evidence of infection, and the wounds were granulating nicely (Fig 4). The bird was able to grip well and use its remaining toes. Bandaging was no longer required. HEALx Booster (0.1 ml PO q24h) was started at this time.    Blood work was repeated on Day 17 and a lipoprotein panel was added. Protein electrophoresis was also repeated, and the total protein improved but the ratios remained the same. The avian profile was repeated and showed normal values for all except mildly elevated cholesterol. _________________________ The Use of HEALx Rain, Soother Plus and Booster for Tissue Damage in a Psittacine Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM BEFORE AFTER The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Cockatoo with a Severe Skin Lesion Stephen M. Wyler, DVM BEFORE (Fig 1) Fig 2 Fig 3 AFTER (Fig 4) A 24-year-old female 400-g cockatoo was referred with a large, elevated lesion on the craniolateral aspect of the right tibiotarsus. The bird had been fed a seed diet. It received an injection of enrofloxacin and was sent home with oral and topical enrofloxacin. Four days later laboratory tests revealed anemia as well as the presence of yeast on a fecal Gram's stain. An injection of vitamin A/D/E was administered, enrofloxacin was continued and Nystatin Oral Suspension was initiated. HEALx Soother Plus (q12h) was dispensed as the only topical therapy. Instructions to the owner included improving the bird's diet by decreasing the amount of seeds given and weaning it to a pelleted diet as well as offering a full-spectrum light. Only slight improvement was noted at recheck 2 weeks later. Improvement continued slowly over the next 2 weeks, at which time Harrison's Bird Bread made with HEALx Sunshine Factor was added to the treatment protocol. Three weeks later, the patient returned with complete resolution of the tibiotarsus lesion and an additional 15-g weight gain. The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster for Treatment of Mild Bilateral Pododermatitis in a Parrot Laura Wade, DVM, ABVP (Avian) BEFORE BEFORE AFTER AFTER A 7-year-old female Meyer’s parrot (Poicephalus meyeri) developed mild plantar pododermatitis on the proximal digital pad of both first phalanges. The epithelium showed thinning of the papillae with mild erythema and localized swelling (“Before” photos). HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied with a cotton swab to the affected lesions q24h, and Booster was administered orally (0.05 ml) q24h for 2 weeks. A plastic-on-plastic syringe was used to facilitate the administration of the Booster. Evaluation 6 weeks later showed resolution of the erythema and swelling and return of papillae (“After” photos). Soother Plus was chosen for its topical pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties as well as for being nontoxic if ingested. Booster was chosen for its systemic anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Booster also contains beta carotene, which is important for epithelial turnover. The bird did not object to the taste of the red palm fruit oil. Initially, the bird reacted slightly to the application of the Soother Plus (pulling her feet away), but as the treatments progressed, she acclimated to the sensation. After release, she would groom her feet briefly. The combination of a topical Soother Plus and oral Booster once daily with reduction of sedentary activity proved very satisfactory for the treatment of the mild pododermatitis lesions in this bird. Additionally, the owner appreciated not having to use more potent antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. _____________________ The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor in an Amazon with Bilateral Cataracts, Bronzing Feathers and Poor Gripping Ability Thomas Bankstahl, DVM BEFORE AFTER 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. Four months later the owner noticed increased vision on the left side. A physical examination of the eye revealed a 50% reduction in the cataract size. Improved weight-bearing was also observed. The dosage of Sunshine Factor was increased to 0.3 ml PO q24h. Meloxicam dosing was able to be reduced. After 4 months of daily Sunshine Factor, a dramatic 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 as needed, and the Sunshine Factor was continued at 0.3 ml PO q24h. _____________________ The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Patagonian Conure with a Cloacal Papilloma Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM BEFORE AFTER The Use of HEALx Soother Plus, Booster and Avian Enzyme in the Ring Removal of a Canary Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM Before - Day 0 Day 10 A canary that due to a bad diet has feet with an excess of scales that end trapping the ring. The ring was removed, which exposed tissues that were severely infected. HEALx Soother Plus cream was applied to the leg. Treatment also included administering HEALx Booster (1 Tbs/kg of seeds) and Harrison’s Avian Enzyme (1 Tbs/kg) and recommendations to continue with these oral supplements for the life of the bird. _________________________ The Use of HEALx Booster to Control Anaerobic Infection in a Severely Wounded Amazon Parrot A 7-month-old rescued blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) had suffered severe injuries after falling into a frying pan with boiling oil. The bird lost one foot entirely and suffered reduced movements of the other foot, particularly the first and fourth phalanxes. The severe burn also deformed the cloaca, affecting its functionality. After more than 8 procedures and surgeries to clean and correct the cloacal functionality (including the addition of lactulose to the daily chick formula), a smelly diarrhea (caused by anaerobic spore-forming bacilli) would recur from time to time. This condition would resolve only with administration of metronidazole and then only on a temporary basis. As soon as the metronidazole was discontinued, the infection would reappear within 2 days, and cloacoliths continued to form every 4 to 6 months. Euthanasia was seriously considered. As a last resort HEALx Booster was added to the daily feeding formula. After 3 days the diarrhea and the foul smell were almost resolved, and after 1 week there was no sign of the previous disorder. The Booster resulted in complete control of the anaerobic infection. The bird has been maintained on Booster twice a day for the last 10 months with no need for further antimicrobial treatment. The feather quality has improved during this time, and most importantly, the bird has had a good quality of life. Before (Day 0) Fig 1. Shown is the blue-fronted Amazon as it appeared prior to the addition of Booster to the therapy. Note the black, broken and greasy-looking feathers. Day 0 Fig 2. Prior to starting the Booster therapy, a Gram’s stain of the feces showed gram-positive bacilli with spores, which resulted in foul-smelling diarrhea and the formation of cloacoliths. Day 3 Fig 3. Three days following the initial Booster treatment, the number of large gram-positive bacilli had decreased, and there was an absence of cocci. The presence of non-budding yeast in the Gram’s stain was from an ingredient in the chick formula. Day 7 Fig 4. After 1 week of therapy with Booster, there was an absence of large gram-positive bacilli, and gram-positive cocci were seen only in small numbers. Fig 5. During maintenance therapy with Booster®, the Gram’s stain showed an approximate proportion of 70% regular-sized non spore-forming gram-positive bacilli and 30% gram-positive cocci. Day 305 Fig 6. Following approximately 10 months with the addition of Booster®, the black feathers have been increasingly replaced by silky bright green feathers.   The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Cockatiel with Bumblefoot/Pododermatitis Thomas Bankstahl, DVM BEFORE AFTER 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 was applied q12h. Clinical improvement was seen within 7 days, and the lesions were resolved by Day 14. No oral medications were given. 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 BEFORE AFTER 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 Concentrate, which kept chronic long-term infections under control. HEALx Sunshine Factor was administered daily for its antioxidant, immunosupportive,  cardio-protective, and anti-inflammatory 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. The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Falcon with a Deep Skin Lesion Alfonso Bañeres De la Torre, DVM BEFORE AFTER A peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) presented with a severe lesion affecting the tarsometatarsus skin and deep tissues. The area was cleaned, and scar tissue was removed. The lesions were covered with HEALx Soother Plus and gauze. Marbofloxacin FD was given for 1 week. The lesion was cleaned and rinsed, and Soother Plus was applied topically q12h. After 15 days, the lesion had closed. The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Pigeon with an Open Tarsometatarsus Fracture Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM BEFORE DAY 4 A pigeon was presented with an open tarsometatarsus fracture, and the proximal part of the bone was protruding. With the pigeon anesthetized, the fracture was cleaned, and an intramedular needle was surgically placed through the proximal joint. Because of the thin layer of tissues covering this part of the bird’s anatomy, there was no skin to cover the bone. HEALx Soother Plus was applied to the leg, and Combiderm sterile dressing was used to keep the Soother Plus in place. HEALx Booster (0.02 ml per 100 g q24h) was mixed with soft food and administered via a feeding tube. The pigeon was also given enrofloxacin. The bird was rechecked on Days 3, 5, 12 and 21. On Day 31, the needle was removed. The bone had healed; however, there was a small piece of dead bone that had sequestered through the hole. Soother Plus was applied daily and the apposite was used for 10 more days. On day 41, the recheck revealed that the lesion had healed completely and the pigeon was walking again. Other cases with similar clinical signs before the advent of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster resulted in amputation of the leg.   The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Cockatoo with a Prolapsed Oviduct Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM BEFORE AFTER 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. Injectable enrofloxacin 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 surfactants 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. The Use of HEALx Booster Concentrate in the Treatment of Falcons with Poxvirus Marino Garcia Montijano, LV; Ines Luaces, LV and Diana Zamora, LV BEFORE DAY 4 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 treatment). 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. Above is a clinical case of a severe poxvirus skin lesion in an 800 g juvenile male gyr x Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) hybrid. Marbofloxacin 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. The Use of HEALx Soother Plus in a Caique with a Non-healing Ulcerative Wound Thomas Bankstahl, DVM BEFORE AFTER A white-bellied caique (Pionites leucogaster) presented with a non-healing ulcerative wound of 1 year’s duration. HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically q12h to the lesion, which completely resolved within 28 days using Soother Plus topical cream as the only modality. The Use of HEALx Soother Ointment in a Harris hawk with a Severe Wing Lesion Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM    Before Day 0 (skin closure) Soother and gauze applied Plastic film covering Day 7 (recovering) 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. The gauze was applied to the wound and covered with plastic film. The wing was dressed with co-adhesive material and left alone. No other analgesics were used. The animal received an injectable antibiotic. On recheck 1 week later, the wound was already healing. _________________________ 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 (Figs 1a,b). The wound was treated immediately with topical application of HEALx Soother Plus cream q12h. No other treatment was used. Within days, substantial healing was observed and by 10 days (Fig 2), the size of the wound was less than half the initial lesion. Further treatment with Soother Plus resulted in additional reduction of the wound size (Fig 3). When it was obvious the surrounding skin would not heal over the hip joint lesion, a surgical closure was performed (Fig 4). Prior to suturing, a large amount of Soother Plus cream was introduced into the wound. The suture site was treated topically with Soother Plus cream q24h for 20 days post surgery. The bird completely recovered (Fig 5). Before (Day 0) Fig 1a. The short-billed corella presented with a severe bite wound.  Day 11 Fig 2. The size of the wound was less than half the original lesion. Day 34  Fig 3. The wound continued to heal as shown. Day 39 (Post-surgery) Fig 4. Surgery was performed to close the wound. Day 104 Fig 5. The bird had completely recovered. The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Rain in a Lovebird with a Severe Bite Wound Carlo Manderscheid, Dr med vet Luxembourg, Germany Before - Day 0 Day 12 A 3-year-old, female lovebird (Agapornis personatusa) presented with a bite wound on the cheek after being attacked by a cagemate 3 days prior. The wound was severe and crusty and contained dead tissue. The area was cleaned with a combination of HEALx Rain and F-10. The wound was treated with topical application of HEALx Soother Plus cream, and the owner was instructed to continue applying Soother Plus q12h. The bird was not treated with antibiotics or any other modality in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Soother Plus. _________________________ The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Booster in a Robin with Plumage Disorders and Pruritus Thomas Bankstahl, DVM BEFORE AFTER A 58-g American robin (Turdus migratorius) was presented with loss of feathering of 2 years’ duration, scabbing and pruritus of wing tips, and poor beak, skin, and nail quality. HEALx Booster (0.04 ml) was given PO q24h. HEALx Soother Plus (0.03 ml) was applied topically to the wings q12h. Ronidazole was administered q24h x 10 days (this had been given 2 years previously with no improvement). One month later, the owner reported regrowth of primary feathers and decreased pruritus. Booster was continued (0.04 ml PO q24h). The robin gained 2 g body weight over the next week. Increased plumage quantities and energy levels were observed. Little to no pruritus was seen. The bird was maintained on Booster (0.04 ml PO q24h). Three months later an excellent return of plumage was noted with improved beak and nails. The robin is maintained on Booster as a daily dietary supplement. _____________________ The Use of Harrison’s Bird Bread Mix and HEALx Sunshine Factor for Treatment of Malocclusion and Malalignment of the Gnathotheca with the Rhinotheca in a Quaker Parakeet 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 that the bird was unable to bite down hard and wasn’t eating. The bird’s diet consisted mainly of a seed mix and its favorite treat—shelled almonds. On physical examination, the bird appeared slightly (~5%) dehydrated and was quiet but responsive. The bird also exhibited malocclusion and malalignment of the gnathotheca with the rhinotheca (Fig 1), had a very weak bite response (being unable to hold a cotton swab in its beak) and exhibited other neurologic signs, including clenched feet and mild ataxia. The bird’s neck was also bruised (Fig 2). Most notably, a bone from the hyoid apparatus was protruding ventral to the mandible (Figs 3, 4). Before Fig 1. Patient upon presentation, with malocclusion and malalignment of beak. Fig 2. Bruising along ventral neck. Fig 3. Bone protruding from hyoid apparatus (arrow). Fig 4. Lateral skull radiograph showing displacement of hyoid apparatus ventral to mandible (arrow). Radiographs confirmed protrusion of the hyoid bone ventral to the mandible; no other abnormalities were noted. The patient was treated with meloxicam, along with Harrison’s Bird Bread Mix, AVIx Sunshine Factor (to make the Bird Bread) and AVIx Booster (0.02 ml PO q24h). The owner was also instructed to syringe feed Harrison’s Juvenile Hand Feeding Formula™ if the bird was not eating on its own. Seven days later, the patient appeared much stronger, the swelling and bruising were improved, and the neurological signs were resolved. The owner reported that he had offered several types of soft food to the bird, but the only food the patient had chosen to eat at this point was the bread made with Harrison’s Bird Bread Mix and Sunshine Factor (Fig 5). Fourteen days after the bird’s initial presentation to the hospital, it was bright and alert, had significantly improved beak strength, and had gained 12 g. Its gnathotheca and rhinotheca appeared much better aligned (Fig 6), and the bird held a cotton swab in its beak with ease (Fig 7). On a phone follow-up, 21 days after the initial injury, the owner reported that the bird was repeatedly using its beak to climb around the cage and was again able to enjoy shelled almonds as a treat. Both bird and owner are thrilled with the speedy recovery and the easy transition to a better balanced diet. Day 14   The Use of HEALx Soother Plus and Sunshine Factor in a Conure with a Severe Leg Disorder Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM BEFORE DAY 4 A sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis) presented with a leg in a severely traumatized condition due to constriction by pieces of string. The string was removed and the lesion was cleaned with diluted chlorhexidine. HEALx Soother Plus was applied with a dressing for 24 hours. By the next day the leg was much improved. The bandages were removed, and the cleaning and Soother Plus application were repeated. The bird was being fed a diet of seeds so these were mixed with Sunshine Factor® at a dose of 10 ml per kg seeds. The leg was 80% healed by the end of the third day. No other treatment was given in this case. _____________________ The Use of HEALx Sunshine Factor and Booster Concentrate in the Treatment of Pigeons Infected with Poxvirus Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM BEFORE DAY 4 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 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, antibiotics 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.