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Americans are accustomed to taking the family dog or cat to the veterinarian for
an annual check-up. It is even more important for a pet bird to have regular examinations, because birds tend to
have very subtle symptoms of disease.
QUARANTINE
Isolation and quarantine of a new bird is the first and most important thing an
owner should do. In order to protect other birds on the premises, it is advised that all newly acquired birds be
maintained separately for a period of at least six weeks following purchase. Because many airborne viruses may
be spread from room to room by central air conditioning or heating systems, an off-premise location is preferred.
Quarantine is essential for all new birds, even those that are believed to be "healthy".
NEW BIRD EXAMINATION
The second most valuable step for a new bird owner is to establish a relationship with
an avian veterinarian, preferably one who is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
An examination of a newly acquired 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", results of diagnostic tests
in the initial patient record provide valuable references for subsequent examinations.
COMPONENTS OF THE EXAM
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 markets.
Physical Evaluation:
From an initial,
critical observation of the bird in the cage, the veterinarian can determine 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 the
feathers, skin, beak, eyes, ears, 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 bird's weight should be measured in grams, not ounces,
in order to detect small increments of change.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Depending on the bird's 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, color and composition may help the veterinarian generally assess the bird's health and
consider certain disease conditions. Most birds are nervous in the clinic, so their droppings may be abnormally
loose there. A fecal sample may be examined microscopically to determine the presence of internal parasites.
Psittacosis Test:
Several screening tests
are available for the detection of psittacosis or parrot fever. This is important as pan of the new bird exam or
annual check-up because the causative agent, Chlamydia psittaci, may be transmitted from birds to humans (see AAV
brochure, "Psittacosis").
Blood Tests: A blood sample might be taken
to determine the amount and distribution 6 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 he deterred.
Microbiology: Your avian veterinarian
may recommend a culture of the choana (throat), cloaca (vent), crop (esophagus), or some other tissue/fluid sample
to determine abnormal growth 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.
Radiographs:
X-rays may be used to assess
the internal condition of your bird. The presence of new and old 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. The use of anesthesia may be necessary to produce quality X-rays.
Cytology: With the use of special stains,
a veterinarian skilled in this procedure can evaluate smears of tissue or fluids to assist in making a 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, feeding young of at weaning.
ANNUAL CHECK-UPS
Because owners are often unaware of obvious symptoms in the beginning stages of disease
in birds, annual check-ups are advised for early identification and management of potential disorders. Also, new
information of interest to the bird owner is continually becoming available.
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VETERINARY
ASSOCIATES STONEFIELD