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Birds

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

  • Diets for backyard chickens are developed to provide the proper nutrition for the chicken’s life stage. Protein and calcium contents are different for baby chicks, growing chicks, adult laying hens, and roosters. Supplements and treats may be given in small quantities.

  • Chlamydiosis (psittacosis, parrot fever, ornithosis) is a common disease of birds caused by a bacterial organism called Chlamydia psittaci. Birds with chlamydiosis exhibit a decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, nasal or ocular discharge, a fluffed-up appearance, and breathing difficulties. Testing and treatment are discussed. Chlamydiosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be passed to humans, so all new pet birds should be tested for this disease.

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

  • Chlorpheniramine maleate is given by mouth and is used off label in cats, dogs, horses, ferrets, and birds to treat allergic conditions or as a mild sedative. Common side effects include sleepiness, although other side effects are possible.

  • Chlortetracycline (brand name Aureomycin®) is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections in food animals, cats, dogs, birds, and some small mammals. Its use may be off label (extra label) depending on species and formulation. Do not use in guinea pigs.

  • Chronic egg laying occurs when a female bird lays more eggs in one clutch than the usual number or lays repeated clutches of eggs. Chronic egg laying may lead to malnutrition and egg binding. There are behavioral and medical interventions to stop chronic egg laying.

  • Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various forms of cancer and solid tumors in animals. It is prescribed off-label for use in dogs, horses, birds, and reptiles. It should not be used in cats due to potentially fatal side effects. Cisplatin is administered by injection, typically IV into the vein, by trained veterinary staff.

  • Clomipramine is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat behavior disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety, aggression, and urine marking. In cats, it is used for urine spraying, and in birds, it is used to treat feather picking.

  • Clotrimazole topical is an antifungal used in the treatment of surface skin infections caused by fungal organisms in cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other animals. Clotrimazole topical comes in a variety of forms that may be specially compounded and/or be combined with other medications. All forms are applied topically.