Ask Lafeber

Tea, first aid, atherosclerosis

Greywood Manor makes teas for birds. Are these beneficial to the avian species?
What would you recommend having on hand for a first aid kit?
Can atherosclerosis be improved with medication?

Hi Kim,

Here is what Dr. Stephanie Lamb replied about the tea: I actually have used this company’s product on a couple patients. In particular I have used the “Iron Out” tea for iron storage disease in an African Grey and I know the national aviary has used a similar product as well for this condition. As for all the other teas….there are good and bad things about them…For example, their “Serene Tea” has St. John’s Wort in it which is supposed to help for mood but too much of this can be toxic to the liver. So it’s something that I think these have their place but I also think they should be used with caution and under the direction of someone (a  Vet) who knows what they are using them for, how often to use them safely and why.

Here is Dr. Tully’s reply about the atherosclerosis: The short answer is no, but with a proper diet and reduction of food items that contain a significant fat composition, then that should help reduce the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in the arteries.  However, some birds are genetically predisposed to atherosclerosis as are some humans, no matter what diet you feed.  The medications used to reduce cholesterol in the blood for humans do not appear to be that effective at this time and trying to research a therapeutic dose for these medications has been elusive with the species that have been tested.  However, some people are treating with drugs such as atorvastin (lipitor), but how effective and if the drug has any therapeutic benefits is unknown.  I guess you have nothing to lose, and I do not believe the adverse side effects are that common in birds. If the atherosclerosis lesions are causing heart problems, those can be treated for some time depending on the severity of cardiac disease.

Regarding the First Aid Kit, please refer to our webinars by Dr. Lamb, where she explains what you need:

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda