Library
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Abnormal droppings are a non-specific sign of illness in birds. A change in dropping color, frequency, volume, wetness, or character may indicate a problem that requires immediate veterinary attention.
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Birds innately hide symptoms of illness until later stages of disease. Anorexia (loss of appetite) and lethargy (listlessness and general inactivity) are common symptoms of illness in both pet and wild birds. While not specific to any disease, these signs can indicate severe illness that requires immediate attention from an avian veterinarian.
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Aspergillosis is a severe and sometimes life-threatening fungal infection that commonly causes respiratory disease in pet birds. Infected birds may show tail bobbing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Aspergillosis is a challenging disease to treat and difficult to cure. In many cases, referral to an avian specialist is advised.
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Bumblefoot is a term used to describe an infectious or inflammatory condition involving the bottom of the foot pad on one or both feet in birds. Causes include improper perching surfaces or traumatic injuries to one or both foot pads. The condition is painful and causes the bird to become lame on the affected foot/feet. Proper veterinary care is essential to resolving this severe condition.
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Candida is a type of yeast that may cause problems in the digestive tract of birds. In young birds, immunocompromised birds, or birds that have been on antibiotics for an extended period, candida may overgrow in the digestive tract and cause infection (candidiasis). It is a common cause of sour crop (ingluvitis).
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Cataracts are a reasonably well-known occurrence in pet birds. Canaries are more prone to cataract formation than other species of birds. Cataracts may be inherited or be secondary to a traumatic injury or infection involving one or both eyes.
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Chlamydiosis (psittacosis, parrot fever, ornithosis) is a common disease of birds caused by a bacterial organism. The disease can cause chronic infections, infections without visible symptoms, or sudden death. The disease can also be transmitted to people, but it is not associated with the venereal form of chlamydia.
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Chronic egg laying occurs when a female bird lays more eggs in one clutch than the usual number or lays repeated clutches of eggs. Chronic egg laying may lead to malnutrition and egg binding. There are behavioral and medical interventions to stop chronic egg laying.
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Pet birds often become ill when they are not cared for or fed appropriately. Birds can develop infections with bacteria (e.g., Chlamydia psittaci) and parasites (e.g., Giardia). They also commonly suffer from reproductive problems (e.g., egg binding and tumors) and feather-picking. Birds on all-seed, high-fat diets may become obese and develop fatty liver syndrome. Older birds may develop cloacal papillomas or cancer. Your veterinarian familiar with birds will formulate an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan if your pet bird becomes ill.
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Crop infections in birds are not as common as they once were, but are still potentially dangerous in all avian species. Crop infections cause a slowing or stoppage of crop motility, and can be caused by bacteria, yeast and a variety of viruses. Early veterinary attention is essential.
