Skip to main content

Illustrated Articles

Birds + Medications & Supplements

  • Amitriptyline is used off label and given by mouth to treat behavioral and pain disorders in dogs, cats, and occasionally birds. Common side effects include sedation, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. This medication should not be used in pets sensitive to TCAs, seizures, or pets currently using MOIs or flea collars. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Atropine ophthalmic (brand name Isopto Atropine) is an eye medication used to dilate (enlarge) the pupil. It is used off label (extra label) only, in all veterinary species of animals. Atropine ophthalmic comes in a 1% drop, solution, or ointment form, which is placed directly into the eye.

  • Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used on and off label. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat pain and inflammation. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Do not use this medication in pets with bleeding disorders, in pets that are allergic to it or other NSAIDs in the same class, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Colchicine is given by mouth and is used off label in dogs and birds, primarily to treat amyloidosis and Shar-Pei fever. Its use in veterinary medicine is largely experimental and its effectiveness has not been well documented. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Deslorelin (brand name Suprelorin-F®) is a synthetic hormonal agent used to manage adrenocortical disease in ferrets. Deslorelin has also been used as a temporary contraceptive in intact male dogs or ferrets, to suppress estrus in small mammals, to decrease reproductive behavior in pet birds, and to induce ovulation in horses. Caution when handling if pregnant or child-bearing age.