Herbals and Nutraceuticals in Avian Practice:Liver, Cardiac, and Integument Applications

摘要

Use of supplements to the diet are well-accepted by most pet owners despite the lack of controlled studies of efficacy. Practitioners are being introduced to products developed specifically for dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals, althoughfew of these have had scientific studies proving efficacy. The term "supplement" includes nutraceuticals, botanicals and herbals. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate this dietary industry, so potency and label claimsmay not be accurate. Formulations for pet birds are being used by practitioners adapted from studies done in poultry or small animals, or from anecdotal effects on humans. Some of the most commonly used products for liver, cardiac and skin health include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, L-camitine, milk thistle, taurine, coenzyme Q, ginseng, quercetin, and dandelion. Formulations used by the authors have seemed to augment traditional therapies. These are well-accepted by both owners and the birds. While clinical improvement using these may be subjective, they do no harm and may be efficacious as therapy.