5 Bird Health Issues You Should Know About
Bird owners must constantly be on the lookout for signs
that their pets are becoming ill. Even the most subtle symptoms can be
"red flags" that their pet is in dire need of veterinary treatment.
Because illnesses can be such a serious issue for pet birds, it is
important to become familiar with the most troublesome health problems
that can arise in our feathered friends. Take a look at the bird health
problems outlined below to learn more about some of the biggest bird
health problems that could possibly affect your pet. Increasing your
knowledge of bird health problems will help you to recognize any issues
early on, and offer your bird prompt treatment and the chance at a swift
recovery.
Avian Flu
Several
years ago, cases of avian flu made the news around the world, and
recently they have again been popping up in the headlines. While most of
the cases focused on involve birds that are raised as food, pet bird
owners should know that avian flu can affect birds of any species --
meaning that parrots and other commonly kept pet birds are also at risk
of contracting it if exposed. While the risk of exposure to captive pets
is considered minimal, there are things that can be done to further
protect your feathered friend from this deadly pathogen. Check out this
article on avian flu for more information
Parasites
Parasites can affect any animal, including birds and humans. It is important to monitor your pet bird for any signs of internal or external parasite infestations as children, other pets, and other family members can also contract them if exposed. Certain parasites can be deadly to pet birds if not treated quickly, so learning as much as you can about their signs, symptoms, and risks of exposure is imperative to protecting your pet and family. Learn all about the most common types of parasites that can affect pet birds in this article on parasite infestations.Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
One health problem that strikes fear into the hearts of bird owners is Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, also known as "PBFD." It is a deadly virus that causes abnormal beak and feather growth, lesions, and various other problems. PBFD can affect any parrot species, and there is currently no known treatment or cure. To make matters worse, PBFD is highly contagious, and can quickly spread throughout an entire flock of birds who are kept in close quarters. It is important to learn about the signs of PBFD in order to prevent the spread of this devastating illness to other birds that may be owned by you or your friends and family.Egg Binding
Those who own male birds can breathe easy here -- egg binding is a condition that can only affect female birds of breeding age. Egg binding is a very serious problem and can cause death in affected birds if it is not promptly treated by an experienced avian vet, so it is important for those who own female birds to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of egg binding so that they can recognize any problems early enough to save their pets.Stress
Pretty much every adult alive knows what stress is, but many don't realize that stress can also affect parrots and other pet birds, and just as it does in humans, it can cause a decline in immune response and make a bird more susceptible to other illnesses. While they are subtle, there are several different signs that bird owners can watch for so that they can identify stress in their birds and prevent the onset of more serious issues. Read this article on stress in pet birds to learn about what can cause stress in your feathered friend and what you can do to reverse it if it has become a problem.5 Signs That Your Bird is Depressed
Much attention has been given to human depression in
recent years. Doctors and scientists have finally begun to realize that
happiness plays a key role in our health and quality of life, so it
should be no surprise to hear that the same goes for our pet birds. Not
only are birds capable of becoming depressed, but prolonged depression
can lead to self-destructive behaviors, lowered immune response, and an
array of other problems. If you suspect that your bird may be depressed,
compare his or her behavior with the points listed here. Signs pointing
to depression may signal that you need to change something about your
bird's environment or your level of interaction with your pet.
Appetite Loss
Although
it can be a symptom of several different types of issues in pet birds,
one big indicator of depression is appetite loss. Because birds have
such fast metabolisms, it's important to learn to recognize it very
quickly if your bird stops eating. Weight loss can come quickly and be
very harmful to a bird, so if you notice that your pet's food intake has
changed for two consecutive days, you will want to schedule an
appointment with your avian vet to investigate the matter.
Signs of Stress in Pet Birds
Stress can play a large role in the overall health of
both humans and companion animals. Because pet birds are naturally very
sensitive creatures, they tend to not be able to deal with stress as
easily as other types of pets such as cats and dogs. Being able to
recognize stress in your pet bird is important to maintaining an
environment that your feathered friend can mentally and physically
thrive in, so it's a good idea to bird owners to learn how to monitor
their birds' stress levels and make adjustments as needed to keep their
pets healthy and happy. The points listed below will help you recognize
common signs of a stressed bird, and offer advice as to how you can keep
your feathered friend calm, confident, and content in his or her home.
Stress Bars
One of the most common physical indications of stress in pet birds is the appearance of stress bars on a bird's feathers. Stress bars are small lines that run horizontally across the shafts of a bird's feathers. While it can be difficult to assess stress bars in feathers that are still on a bird, examining molted feathers can give a quick indication of whether or not a bird is having issues with a stressor in its environment. Stress bars can be caused by a variety of factors, so the presence of stress bars will not indicate exactly what is stressing a bird. Rather, they are a red flag that bird owners can use to start looking for potential sources of stress that their pets may encounter.Aggression
The sudden onset of aggression in a pet bird can also be a big indicator that the bird is experiencing stress in its environment. Aggressive behaviors such as biting, hissing, lunging, and excessive screaming can manifest almost overnight when there is an environmental stressor involved. If you notice this sort of behavioral change in your pet, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with an avian vet to rule out any possible health problems. If a clean bill of health is given, then you can begin to work with your bird to figure out exactly what triggers the behavior, and how you can adjust your bird's environment or routine to make him or her more comfortable.Fearful Behavior
If a bird that is normally happy to be handled suddenly begins to act fearful of you or other family members, then it is a sure bet that there is something about the person who triggers the behavior that is causing stress to your feathered friend. It may not even be something that the person is doing directly to the bird -- something as simple as a brightly colored shirt, a hat, or a new beard or mustache can be a trigger for a bird's fearful behavior. Once you are able to identify a trigger, it is normally easy to remedy this sort of situation. However, if necessary, it is possible to condition a bird to eventually accept this sort of stressor through patience and practicing proper bonding techniques.Loss of Appetite
If a bird who normally has a healthy appetite suddenly begins to show less interest in eating, it can be an indicator of stress and/or health problems. A good rule to follow in this type of situation is to schedule an appointment with an avian vet to make sure that the bird is not sick or injured. If your feathered friend's health checks out, you can then begin to try and decipher possible stressors in your home that may trigger appetite loss in your bird.
Destructive Behavior
Birds who begin to exhibit destructive behavior are quite possibly very stressed, and the most likely culprit in this scenario is boredom. Being the extremely intelligent creatures that they are, pet birds in captivity often do not receive a healthy amount of mental stimulation, which can lead to frustration, stress, undesirable behaviors, and even health issues. If you discover that your bird is becoming overly destructive, try a few techniques for preventing boredom in birds and see if the problems subside. If they do not, it is advisable to seek help from your veterinarian and/or a parrot behavior consultant to resolve the issue.Signs that Your Bird Needs a Parrot Behavior Consultant
Once in a while, all parrots will misbehave. For many unfortunate owners, however, chronic behavior problems
make their relationship with their parrots a miserable affair. If an
avian veterinarian has determined that there are no health concerns
manifesting themselves as behavior issues, then a visit with a Parrot
Behavior Consultant may be in order. To help discern whether or not your
bird needs professional help, look over these tell-tale signs that your
pet's behavior is out of control.
1. Extreme Aggression
Most aggressive birds can be tamed with proper training techniques, but training overly aggressive or vicious parrots should be left to professionals for safety reasons. All birds will bite, and they bite for different reasons. Owners should determine whether or not a bite is truly dangerous. A trained and experienced Parrot Behavior Consultant will be knowledgable in handling these types of birds safely. If your bird is so aggressive that you cannot safely place your hand in his cage, seek out professional assistance as soon as possible.2. Excessive Screaming
Birds can be loud, and screaming off and on is a completely normal and natural behavior. However, a bird that screams all of the time almost certainly has some need that is not being met. If you've tried everything and your pet still refuses to tone it down a notch, schedule an appointment with your avian vet to rule out any health issues. If the doctor gives your bird a clean bill of health, contact your nearest Parrot Behavior Consultant an schedule an appointment for he or she to assess your bird's situation. In most cases, slight adjustments to the bird's environment, routine, and interactions with the owner can go a long way in correcting excessive screaming behavior.3. Overly Destructive Behavior
All birds love to tear things up -- it's just their nature! But sometimes they destroy things that aren't theirs or aren't meant to be used as playthings. This not only causes problems to their owners, but can be hazardous to the bird as well. While plenty of supervision, safe bird toys, and proper mental stimluation will usually curb most destructive behaviors, there are some birds that need a professional touch when dealing with their tastes for demolition. If your bird can't seem to stop destroying everything he sees, then an appointment with a behavior consultant could be beneficial in helping you get to the root of the issue.4. Feather Plucking/Self Mutilation
The moment you notice that a bird is biting itself or plucking its feathers, you should schedule an appointment with your vet to check for health problems. If no health issues are to blame, then the problem could be an issue with the bird's environment, or with the bird's emotional state. In either case, a Parrot Behavior Consultant should be able to get to the bottom of the problem, and help you begin rehabilitating your pet.Bird Health
Above all,
your bird's health is top priority. While most bird owners do everything
within their power to protect their feathered friends from illness or
injury, at times accidents do happen, and we need to be prepared. Here
you will find information on the more common diseases and parasites that
affect birds, signs and symptoms of illness, how to find an avian
veterinarian, common household poisons and toxins, first aid procedures
for emergency care, and tips on preventing accidents and illness.
Avian Flu in Pet Birds: Should You Be Concerned?Facts and information about the H5N1 avian influenza virus and whether or not bird owners should be concerned. Find out what types of influenza affect birds, what to do to prevent exposure, and what health organizations say about the avian flu.
Bird Anatomy - Internal and External
Have you ever wondered what a gizzard is for? Ever pondered what exactly a bird's beak is made out of? Look here for a quick lesson in the basics of avian anatomy, both internal and external. Knowing how your bird's body works can be valuable if your pet ever gets ill or injured -- be an informed and prepared owner by learning about the building blocks that make up your bird.
Can My Bird Make Me Sick?
Diseases that can be passed from animals to humans and vice versa are called zoonotic diseases. Those interested in becoming bird owners often wonder if there are any diseases they could catch from their potential feathered friends. The answer is yes -- read on to learn more.
Choosing a Qualified Avian Vet
One of the biggest responsibilities of bird ownership is protecting your pet's health. Locating a reputable avian vet is the first step in making sure your bird leads a long and happy life. Look here for tips on finding a good doctor for your bird, things to look for, questions to ask, and more!
Common Diseases in Pet Birds
As bird owners, it's important to be aware of the diseases and disorders that can affect our precious pets. Early detection of illness is key to successful treatment in pet birds, and is indeed important to their survival in many cases. Read on for an overview of some of the most common illnesses that affect birds in captivity, and how to recognize their symptoms. If you notice your own bird exhi…
Common Parasites in Birds
An article on the most common parasitic infestations in birds, including information on their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Discussion on worms in birds, mites in birds, and more.
Do Birds Get Depressed?
Do you think your bird could be depressed? If you think you have a depressed bird on your hands, check here to learn about the signs and symptoms of avian depression, and what you can do to get your bird on the fast track to health and happiness.
Exotic Birds and Humidity
A brief discussion on the humid environment that exotic birds need, and how to easily provide it.
How to Fix a Broken Blood Feather
If your bird breaks a blood feather, it's important to act quickly to get the situation under control. Look here to find out what to do if your bird breaks a blood feather, and how to handle the situation in the least stressful way.
How to Tell if Your Bird is Sick
Is your pet bird feeling a bit "under the weather?" Look here for valuable information on identifying the signs and symptoms of illness in pet birds, and tips on treatment options and preventative care. Knowing what to look for can save a bird's life -- be angel to your bird by learning how to recognize when he needs veterinary care.
Hygiene and Pet Birds
Keeping a pet bird healthy and happy depends on many things, but one of the most important in hygiene. Read on to learn about using proper hygiene around your bird to protect the health of both you and your feathered friend!
What are Stress Bars?
Does your bird have little bars or stripes running across the shafts of his feathers? If so, your pet may have stress bars, a feather condition that can be a strong indicator of the state of your bird's health. Read on for photos and more information.
What Is Egg Binding?
A short article on egg binding in parrots and other pet birds.
What is Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)?
A look at Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PFBD) including its symptoms, treatment, and a list of bird species most prone to PBFD.
Why Does My Bird Have a Flaky Beak?
Common causes of "flaky" looking beaks in pet bird species.
Bird First Aid
A quick-reference guide to providing basic first aid and emergency care to sick and injured birds.
Common Skin and Feather Disorders in Pet Birds
An article packed with information about common skin and feather problems in pet birds.
Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian
This is a handy search tool that will help you locate an avian veterinarian in your area.
Rate and Review Your Bird's Veterinarian
Reviews of local avian veterinarians who treat pet parrots and other exotic birds. Check out what these bird owners have to say about these avian veterinarians and share your comments on your bird's own vet for other bird owners to learn from!See submissions
Exercise and Pet Birds
Could your pet bird use more exercise in his daily routine? Getting plenty of exercise is the key to good physical and mental health in pet parrots and all captive pet birds. If your feathered friend is in need of a new fitness routine, don't miss these handy tips for increasing your bird's activity level. The improvement in your pet's health...
Ways to Raise Funds for Your Bird's Health Care
Veterinary bills can be a hefty expense, especially for bird owners. If you need some advice on raising funds to cover your bird's vet bills, check out this article for some creative tips and ideas!
How to Make a Basic Bird First Aid Kit
Accidents and emergencies can strike at any time -- and most often at the most inconvenient times. Because of this, it's important for bird owners to have access to a bird first aid kit at all times, so that they can help their pets in the event of sudden injury. Read on to learn how you can assemble your own basic bird first aid kit at home,...
Pet Bird Health Trivia Questions
Think you know more about pet bird health than other bird owners? If so, try out this fun and interesting bird health quiz. These bird health trivia questions are a neat way to test your knowledge and learn something new about bird health care at the same time.
5 Signs That Your Bird Needs to See a Vet
Do you know how to tell if your pet bird needs to see a vet? When birds become ill it's often very serious, so it's important to be able to recognize the signs that your bird could be getting sick. Check out this article to learn about 5 sure signs that your bird should see a veterinarian. It will help you become a more informed and better...
Signs of Stress in Pet Birds
Like humans, birds can experience stress, and it can take a sizable toll on their mental and physical condition. Health is a top priority of bird owners, so it is important to minimize all risks to a pet bird's health and well being. This includes reducing factors that can cause a bird to become stressed in its environment. Read on to learn more...
5 Bird Health Issues You Should Know About
As a bird owner, it's obviously a good thing to learn about the various health issues that can affect our feathered friends. Illnesses in pet birds can manifest very quickly, and more often than not, they can be quite serious. However, some bird health issues are far worse than others. Read on to learn about 5 of the most serious bird health...
Ways to Give Your Bird More Exercise
Like people, parrots and other pet birds need exercise. Make sure that your feathered friend is getting enough exercise to maintain his or her health by following the tips in this article on providing adequate exercise for pet birds. It can be a snap to get your pet bird in tip top physical shape if you know how to do it correctly!
Bird Poop 101
Bird experts are always telling people that they should monitor their birds' poop, but what exactly should they look for? Find out in this insightful article on the difference between healthy and unhealthy bird droppings.
5 Signs that Your Bird is in Pain
Is your pet bird sick? Do you worry that your feathered friend could be in pain? If so, don't miss the information in this article. Read on to learn about 5 telltale signs that your bird is in pain, and learn what you should do to help your feathered friend.
Common Bird Health Care Questions
Even seasoned bird owners can find themselves easily confused by the vast amounts of information that's out there about bird health care. Read on to find out about some of the most common health care questions that bird owners have, what experts and vets recommend, and how you can make sure that your feathered friend stays in the best possible...
When to Call Your Bird's Vet
Afraid that your pet bird might be sick? Bird can be very good at hiding symptoms of illness. Check out the information here to find out if you should schedule a visit with your bird's veterinarian.
How to Prevent Illness in Birds
No one wants their pet to get sick, but the harsh reality is that there are untold health risks that pet birds encounter every day. Even so, there are a few things that you can do to help keep your bird from getting sick. Follow the tips in this article to ward off many of the most common illnesses in birds by creating a healthier all-around...
Parrot Lice: What Bird Owners Should Know
Did you know that pet parrots can harbor lice? As scary as it sounds, it's true -- so it's important for bird owners to know how to identify a lice infestation and seek proper treatment. Keep reading to discover information that will help you keep your parrot and your home healthy and parasite-free!
Your Bird's First Vet Visit
Visiting a veterinarian with your pet bird can be a lot different than it is when you visit with a cat or dog. Check out this article to find out what you should expect!
Sunlight and Pet Birds
It may come as a surprise, but one of the biggest health benefits that most pet birds miss out on is exposure to sunlight. Learn about the beneficial effects of sunlight and how it can help pet birds lead longer, healthier, happier lives in captivity.
Bird Feather Health
Caring for your bird's feathers can be easy if you know how. Check out the tips in this article to learn how to identify problems with your bird's feathers, treat and fix any feather health issues that may arise, and maintain your bird's plumage so that he or she looks and feels her absolute best!
Bird Beak Health
A healthy beak is key to a healthy pet bird, but it can be tough to figure out how to maintain a bird's beak properly. Read on to learn the signs of an unhealthy bird beak, what you can do to fix it, and how to prevent beak problems in the future!
Most Common Reasons for Bird Vet Visits
Wondering what some of the most common medical problems with pet birds are? Look no further -- read on to discover the most common reasons that pet birds have to see the vet, and what you as an owner can do to avoid them!
How to Help Your Bird Gain Weight
Does your pet bird look skinny? It's very important for a bird to maintain a healthy body condition -- if you think that your feathered friend could stand to gain some weight, check out this article for healthy options that will help.
Do Birds Sleep?
Ever wondered about your pet bird's sleep cycle? Discover the ins and outs of your feathered friend's resting period in this FAQ!
Is Your Bird Sick?
Has your bird seen better days? Read on to learn how to quickly tell if your bird is sick and not feeling well.
5 Signs That Your Bird is Depressed
Are you concerned that your pet bird might be depressed? If so, then don't miss this list of symptoms that can signal depression in pet birds. If your bird is suffering, then there are several things that you can do to make your pet healthier and happier.
5 Most Poisonous Foods to Birds
Want to know which types of foods to avoid sharing with your bird? Learn about the most poisonous foods to birds in this handy list.
5 Things That Can Hurt Your Bird's Respiratory System
If you've heard that birds have delicate respiratory systems, then you heard right -- read on to learn about the most common irritants and how you can keep your feathered friend protected.
Do Birds Need Annual Vet Visits?
Find out whether or not you should schedule a vet check for your pet bird here!
Common Bird Beak Health Problems
A wide number of health problems can impact a bird’s beak, either directly or indirectly. The most commonly seen by veterinarians are:• Trauma: Birds can injure their beaks as a result of fighting between other birds; falling onto hard floors; chewing on electric cords; flying into windows or ceiling fans; and their beak becoming trapped between cage bars. These injuries can result in fractures to the beak, puncture wounds or avulsions (the beak becoming partially or completely torn off the face). Beak injuries are almost always emergency situations that require immediate attention from a veterinarian.
• Abnormal beak growth and development: Some baby birds develop beak abnormalities. These can include an overgrown beak, where either the upper or lower beak grows too long; a scissor beak, which is a lateral deviation of the upper and lower beaks; and mandibular prognathism (parrot underbite), which is a condition wherein the tip of the rhinotheca rests on or inside the gnatotheca. These can be caused by genetics and nutritional deficiencies during development. Often these conditions can be fixed with dental appliances, which work similar to human braces to straighten out the beak and correct bites.
• Cancer: Birds can develop cancer on their beaks, primarily squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. This can manifest itself as erosion, discoloration and masses on the beak. If caught early, tumors on the beak can normally be removed surgically.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Liver disease from excess fat and poor nutrition in the diet can cause overgrown and scaly beaks. Lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause soft, rubbery beaks, mostly in smaller birds such as cockatiels. The solution is simple: get the bird on a proper diet, and, in time, these symptoms can usually be reversed.
• Infectious diseases: Many viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens can directly infect bird beaks or infect another part of the bird’s body and cause secondary problems to the bill. Some biggies here include scaly leg and face mites, psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) and avian pox. The bacterial and fungal diseases are usually successfully treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
The key to treating any of these conditions is careful observation and quick action on your part. If you notice anything unusual about your bird’s beak, contact your veterinarian immediately. The sooner you address the problem, the sooner your bird will be treated and the more likelihood of a good prognosis.
Vomiting & Regurgitation
Regurgutation is a normal behavior; vomiting is not.
It is important that pet bird owners be able to differentiate between regurgitation and vomiting in birds.Regurgitation is a normal part of breeding behavior that is to be expected in healthy birds. If your single pet bird views you as its "mate," then it may bestow upon you the highest honor of regurgitating on you to show its affection toward you. A bird that is regurgitating will bob its head and stretch its neck. Regurgitated food is often still somewhat intact (it hasn't yet been entirely digested).
A bird that is vomiting will often spew partially digested crop contents (food) in a haphazard manner. The owner may find the vomit encrusted on the bird's head and/or feathers. Actual vomiting in birds is not common; however, if your bird is vomiting and begins to show other outward signs of distress, consult an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, motion sickness (riding in cars), poisoning and anesthesia may cause vomiting.
Bird Diet & Health
Bird Medical Conditions
In any emergency situation, such as if your pet bird has sustained an injury or shows any sign of ill health, contact your avian veterinarian immediately. When a pet bird is ill, it often hides its sickness until it’s too late, so recognize and address the signs of illness as early as possible. Early recognition of disease in pet birds and parrots allows for more successful treatment and a quicker recovery. Use the BirdChannel Medical Conditions database to more accurately determine what your pet bird might be afflicted by to better inform your avian veterinarian. Some symptoms (or multiple symptoms) can be indicative of a bird disease — learn more in the Bird Diseases topiclist. For general bird care articles, click here.You may need to provide emergency support bird care before you take your pet bird to the veterinarian, (e.g., providing treatment for a burn or a broken blood feather). Consult the BirdChannel Emergency Bird Care topiclist so you can be prepared before you are faced with an emergency situation involving your pet bird.
Bird Food & Nutrition
The first step to good health is a balanced diet, and pet birds are no exception. Find out which foods you should feed your pet bird with the BirdChannel Bird Nutrition section. Learn about species-specific diets, foods that you shouldn’t feed your pet bird, healthy fruits and vegetables for your pet bird and much more.
One of the great joys of being a pet bird owner is cooking for your pet bird. Check out the BirdChannel “Recipes for your Bird” section for recipes, cooking tips and more!
Bird Grooming
From trimming wing feathers to nail trims, keep your pet bird groomed and healthy with the Bird Grooming Tips section on BirdChannel.com. In this special section, you’ll learn how to trim (clip) your bird’s wing feathers and trim its nails, and how to provide proper parrot beak care. Did you know that pet birds spend a large portion of their day grooming their feathers and nails? You can help your pet bird with its grooming process by offering it a bath.
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Regurgitation and vomiting are signs commonly seen in birds. Regurgitation is the forceful expulsion of the contents of the mouth, esophagus, or crop. A bird that is regurgitating will often bob its head and stretch out its neck, and the food does not look digested, e.g., whole seeds are regurgitated. Regurgitation is usually a normal behavior. Vomiting is the expulsion of the contents of the proventriculus, ventriculus, or intestine. Vomiting is more of a spitting action, and the bird shakes its head from side to side. Vomiting is a sign of illness and should be evaluated promptly. Unfortunately, though it is often difficult to differentiate between regurgitation and vomiting.
What are the causes of vomiting and regurgitation in pet birds?
There are a large number of causes of vomiting and regurgitation ranging from infections, to something the bird ate, to diseases of multiple organs in the body. Some of the common causes are listed in the following table:
| Cause | Comments |
|---|---|
INFECTIONS
|
Infections with gram-negative bacteria are one of the most common causes and often secondary to stress, another illness, or fecal contamination of food or water, and are one of the major causes in smaller birds; abscesses may form in some cases; Candida is also often secondary to another illness or stress; Trichomonas is a common cause, especially in budgies; pox virus and tapeworms are more common in imported birds |
DISEASES OF OTHER ORGANS
|
Heart disease is more common in toucans and mynahs; liver disease, especially hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) and hepatitis, is a common cause in many bird species - hepatic lipidosis especially in budgies; trauma includes flying into a window or the bite of another animal which may cause internal bleeding or infection |
NUTRITION
|
Young birds are especially sensitive to the temperature and consistency of the food, and the amount given at one time; abnormal vitamin levels occur over a long period of time; high protein diet is a more common cause in cockatiels |
TOXICITIES*
|
Zinc and lead toxicity are common causes; heated teflon such as on frying pans and ironing board covers is very toxic. |
GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE, BLOCKAGE, OR COMPRESSION
|
Conditions which take up space in the chest or abdomen can put pressure on the digestive system; goiter is a common cause in budgies; crop conditions are more common in young and hand fed baby birds; papillomas in the mouth are also common; egg binding is a more common cause in canaries |
DRUG REACTIONS**
|
Only give these medications to a bird under direct supervision of a veterinarian, and closely follow the directions; contact your veterinarian if your bird is taking any medication and shows new signs of illness |
BEHAVIOR
|
Courting behavior to other birds, mirrors, toys, or even owners is a common cause |
It can be very difficult to differentiate between regurgitation and vomiting, and even hardier to determine an exact cause. The veterinarian will need a complete history, including:
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When the condition started
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How often it occurs
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Other signs of illness noticed by the owners
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Whether the condition is related to a certain event, e.g.; after eating, while playing with toys, etc.
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What the bird is fed
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How the bird is housed
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The sanitary conditions
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Access to potential causes such as foods, household items, toxins, and exposure to other birds
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Presence of the condition in other birds
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Medications or supplements being given to the bird
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Display of any courtship or nesting behavior
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Other diseases the bird may have or has been treated for either currently or in the past
How is vomiting or regurgitation treated?
The treatment of vomiting will vary considerably depending upon the cause. Supportive care in the form of stable temperatures, fluid therapy for dehydration, nutritional management (sometimes withholding food may be necessary) are very important. Depending upon the severity of the illness, the bird may need to be hospitalized. Other therapies may include:
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Giving medications to treat infections
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Changing the diet
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Providing appropriate therapies for diseases of other organs
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Removing the toxic agent from the environment and/or the bird
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Performing surgery or endoscopy to remove foreign objects or tumors and to correct other intestinal blockages
Pet nutrition is an indispensable part of pet life and a necessity in life.
ReplyDeletepet nutrition for cat is the first choice of most people
The skin and joints of cats and dogs are very fragile. It is important to use various
calming supplements for dogs,
especially dog food and
cat food.