Exotic Animal Formulary5

2 mg/kg PO,
IM 545
2, 10, 20 mg/kg
PO q12h × 7
days 785
Cape Griffon vultures/PD; rapid metabolism and
short elimination
potential for drug accumulation
(<45 min) suggests low
American kestrels; histologic evaluation showed a
significant correlation between hepatic lipidosis
and meloxicam dose; birds developed
gastric ulcers at highest dose
Phenylbutazone — Caution with use in Gyps vultures; mortalities
associated with use 165,261
3.5-7 mg/kg PO
q8-12h 212
10-14 mg/kg PO
q12h 806
20 mg/kg PO
q8h 333
Psittacines
Ratites
Raptors
Piroxicam — Indicated for chronic osteoarthritis; has been used
to treat pain associated with chronic
degenerative joint disease in cranes and other
species
0.5 mg/kg PO
q12h 333
0.5-0.8 mg/kg
PO q12h 333
Psittacines
Whooping cranes/acute myopathy, chronic
degenerative joint disease
a
Unless otherwise noted, drugs provide analgesic, antipyretic, and antiinflammatory effects.
b
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents may potentially cause gastrointestinal upset and hemorrhage, as
well as adverse renal effects ranging from fluid retention to renal failure.
c
For other analgesic recommendations, refer to Table 5-5.
Table 5-7
Hormones and Steroids Used in Birds.
Agent Dosage Species/Comments
Adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH)
1-2 U/kg IM 333 Psittacines/ACTH stimulation test
16-26 U/bird IM 466,871 Psittacines/obtain baseline sample,
administer ACTH, then sample in 1-
2 hr; stress of handling and
venipuncture may invalidate results
50-125 µg/bird IM 333 Pigeons
Boldenone undecylenate
(Equipoise, Zoetis)
1.1 mg/kg IM
q21d 806
Ratites/anabolic steroid
355