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Birds

  • There are multiple methods of inheritance that determine which characteristics (or phenotypes) are displayed by the offspring, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and sex-linked inheritance. There are also many polygenic traits (i.e., associated with multiple genes) as well as environmental factors that make it much more complicated to predict disease or the likelihood of passing disease onto offspring.

  • Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a long molecule that contains an organism’s entire genetic code. Every cell in the body contains two identical strands of DNA, and this DNA contains the “instructions” (genes) needed to create and run every part of the body. This handout summarizes how DNA works and how it directs the overall appearance, health, and actions of an animal.

  • Chickens are fun, playful, friendly pets. Like all small pets, chickens require the proper diet, protection from predators, and room to move around. This handout discusses general housing, nutrition, and healthcare for chickens.

  • Home renovation can be arduous for every member of the household. Awareness of possible construction site problems will help homeowners avoid pet-related issues. A little planning can make the renovation process run more smoothly everyone.

  • Honey, topical (HoneyCure®, Medihoney®, Silver Honey®, L-Mesitran®, HoneyHeel®), is a medical-grade honey used in all animal species as an alternative or adjunctive therapy for skin conditions, including wounds due to injury and burn wounds.

  • If your pet had an emergency crisis, how would you manage it? Ask your veterinary hospital how they handle after-hour emergencies. Use this handout to help you plan ahead and be prepared in the event of a pet health emergency.

  • Hydroxyzine (brand names: Atarax®, Vistaril®, Masmoran®, Multipax®) is an antihistamine used off label in cats, dogs, horses, and birds to treat allergic and itchy conditions. It can also be used as a sedative/tranquilizer. Hydroxyzine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet, liquid solution, or capsule. It may also be given as an injection in the hospital.

  • Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) topical is used for the management of skin conditions such as wounds, abscesses, cuts, abrasions, skin irritations, ulcers, post-surgical incision sites, and burns. It may be used to prevent or treat bacterial skin infections, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). HOCl has antifungal and antiviral properties and may reduce inflammation, pain, and itching.

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

  • NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedron) insulin is an injectable medication used in cats, dogs, birds, ferrets, and horses with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels and for long-term maintenance therapy of diabetes mellitus. This medication is used off label (extra label).