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  • Macaws are the largest members of the parrot family. They are high maintenance birds that require a great deal of space to house. They also require a lot of daily affection and attention. Their vocalizations tend to be loud, harsh, penetrating squawks. Their impressively large beak can be exceedingly destructive. Some commonly kept macaws include the blue and gold macaw, scarlet macaw, severe macaw, green-winged macaw, and the hyacinth macaw. Despite the exotic appeal of macaws, they are unsuitable for many households and family situations due to their loud screeching, destructive behavior, and great need for daily attention and time out of their cages. Macaws may be purchased from pet stores or reputable breeders or adopted from rescue organizations. After bringing your new bird home, you should have it examined by a veterinarian familiar with birds to help ensure that it is healthy. Like all other pet birds, macaws require annual, routine veterinary health check-ups.

  • Marbofloxacin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat certain bacterial infections including leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, and hemoplasmosis. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other quinolones, or in small and medium breed dogs before 8 months of age, in large breed dogs before 12 months of age, in giant breed dogs before 18 months of age, or in cats before 12 months of age. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Masturbation behavior in male parrots is a fairly common occurrence. The basis behind this activity is sexual stimulation or over productive male hormones. Veterinary attention will help with environmental changes and/or medications used to diminish or halt this behavior.

  • Meclizine (brand names Antivert®, Dramamine® Less Drowsy Formula, Bonine®, Bonamine®, Postafen®, Univert®) is an antihistamine used off label to prevent and treat motion sickness and vomiting associated with it, in cats, dogs, and other small mammals. The most common side effect is sedation and sleepiness.

  • Melatonin is given by mouth or as an implant under the skin and is used to treat sleep and behavior disorders, adrenal disease, and non-allergic hair loss, to suppress the heat cycle, and to improve breeding rates. Give as directed. Side effects are not common but may include sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • This handout summarizes the many options available to help celebrate your pet’s life and ways to help deal with your grief following the loss of your beloved pet.

  • Metoclopramide is given by mouth or injection and is used off-label to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders, nausea, and vomiting in dogs, cats, and other animals. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitches, drowsiness, and increased urination. Do not use in pets with intestinal blockage or bleeding, pseudopregnancy, pheochromocytoma, or a history of seizures or head trauma. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.

  • Meyer's parrots are generally small- to medium-sized parrots with a very outgoing personality. They are very colorful and playful parrots. A hand-tamed Meyer's parrot makes a wonderful family pet.

  • Miconazole otic is an antifungal used in the treatment of external ear infections (otitis externa) caused by fungal organisms in cats, dogs, and other animals. It may be specially compounded and/or combined into a formulation with other medications. Miconazole otic comes in ointment or liquid drop suspension forms that may be specially compounded.

  • Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for its sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant properties. It is primarily used as a sedative before surgery and to stop seizures. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in animals. This medication is a controlled substance primarily given via injection by your veterinary team, though it may be prescribed to your pet for intranasal or intrarectal administration at home.