Bird Health
Modified: 30-11--0001 00:00:00
Health Examinations For Your Bird
Pet owners are accustomed to taking their family dog or cat to the veterinarian for an annual check-up. It is even more important for pet birds to have regular examinations, because birds tend to hide symptoms of disease much more effectively than do other pets. A perfectly "normal looking" bird may actually be developing some health problem that may not be evident until the disease precess is well established.
NEW BIRD EXAMINATION
An examination of a newly purchased bird within the first three days after purchase is recommended in order to protect the investment of the owner, to uncover and prevent possible disease conditions, and to educate the owner about appropriate bird care.
Even if the new bird checks out "normal", it is valuable to have results of diagnostic tests in the initial record of the patient to provide references for subsequent examinations.
QUARANTINE
In order to protect other birds on the premises from being exposed to a potential problem, it is advised that all newly acquired birds be maintained separately for a period of at least six weeks following purchase. Since many air-bourne viruses may be spread from room to room by central air conditioning or heating systems, an off-premises location is preferred. Quarantine is essential for all new birds, even those found "normal" on the post-purchase exam.
ANNUAL CHECK-UPS
Because of the lack of symptoms in the beginning stages of disease in birds, an annual check-up is advised for early identification and management of potential disorders. Owners are often unaware of the early signs of illness. Also, new information of interest to the pet bird owner is continually becoming available.
COMPONENTS OF THE HEALTH EXAMINATION
History
Your veterinarian is very interested in what you know about the background of your bird - its age, sex, origin, length of time in the household, diet, caging. Even if the bird has been a household pet for a long time, the veterinarian should be advised of any contact , direct or indirect, with other birds. Examples of indirect contact would be the owner's buying of bulk seed from open bins in a pet shop that houses birds, or visiting other aviaries, bird shows, or bird marts.
Physical Evaluation
From an initial, critical observation of the bird in the cage, the veterinarian can determine the general body conformation (obesity, tumors), posture, attitude and character of respiration. Although many internal problems may not be evident from a step by step, hands-on examination, an experienced avian veterinarian will be able to note abnormalities in feathers, skin, beak, eyers, ears, cere, nares, oral cavity, bones, muscles, abdomen and vent.
Weight
Once a bird has become an adult, the weight should remain relatively constant. Checking the weight occasionally, especially at the annual examination, will give valuable information about your bird's health. A pet bird's weight should be measured in grams, not ounces. Significant, life-threatening weight loss could take place before it is noticed in ounces.
SPECIFIC TESTING PROCEDURES
Depending on history, results of physical examination, species, age and general condition, your veterinarian may suggest some of the following diagnostic techniques that will assist in evaluating your bird's health:
Appraisal of Droppings
The appearance of the droppings - volume, colour and composition - on the bottom of the cage may help the veterinarian to generally assess the bird's health and to consider certain disease conditions. Most birds are nervous in the clinic, and their droppings may be abnormally loose.
A faecal sample may be examined microscopically to determine the presence of internal parasites.
Psittacosis Test
A screening test for psittacosis, or parrot fever, is important as part of the new bird exam or annual check-up because the causative agent, Chlamydia psittaci may be transmitted from birds to humans.
Radiographs
X-rays may be used to assess the internal condition of you bird. The presence of old or new fractures, the size and relative relationship of internal organs, the presence of foreign bodies or soft tissue masses such as tumors, and the condition of lungs and air sacs are often evaluated with radiographs.
Blood Tests
A blood sample might be taken to determine the amount and distribution of blood cells. This information may suggest the possibility of certain diseases, and further tests may be indicated for confirmation. A series of chemistry tests performed on the blood sample may point to imbalances in biochemical functions and suggest the possibility of organ dysfunction. Blood parasites may also be detected.
Microbiology
Based on results of Gram's stain, you avian veterinarian may recommend a culture of the choana (throat), cloaca (vent), crop or some other tissue/fluid sample to determine abnormal overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. At the same time, antibiotic sensitivity discs may be used to determine an appropriate antibiotic to be used if the bacterial growth requires therapy.
Cytology
With the use of special stains, a veterinarian skilled in this procedure can evaluate smears of tissue or fluids to assist in diagnosis.
Virus Screening
Some new tests are currently being developed to screen birds for certain viruses. The detection of viruses is especially important for aviary birds. Some viral agents do not express themselves as clinical disease until the bird is under stress, such as laying eggs, or feeding or weaning young.
Endoscopy/Biopsy
This diagnostic procedure is more complicated than those listed above and would be used only in special circumstances, one of which may be used to determine the sex of a breeding bird. Occasionally, a biopsy of a diseased organ may be taken through the endoscope for a more precise diagnosis.
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