The Use of HEALx Rain, Soother Plus and Booster for Tissue Damage in a Psittacine Sergio Sarmiento Valiente, DVM BEFORE AFTER A small psittacine presented with an open wound on its right leg with muscles and deep tissues exposed. The lesion appeared seriously infected. The wound was cleaned daily, and HEALx Soother Plus was applied topically (q8h x 6 days, and then q12h x 6 more days). HEALx Booster was administered orally (0.2 ml daily). The owner also misted the bird with HEALx Rain every day to help clean and hydrate the lesion during the treatment. The bird not only stopped chewing the lesion from the very first day of treatment but healed completely. _____________________ 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. _____________________ Click here to find out more about Sunshine Factor 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. Click here to find out more about HEALx Soother Plus _____________________ 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 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 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 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.