Courtesy of Association of Avian Veterinarians

Pet owners are accustomed to taking the family dog or cat to the veterinarian for an annual checkup. It is even more important for a pet bird to have regular examinations because symptoms of disease in birds tend to be much more subtle.

QUARANTINE

Isolation and quarantine of a new bird even those that are believed to be "healthy" is the first and most important thing an owner can 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. Many airborne viruses may be spread from room to room by central air conditioning of heating systems, so an off-premises location is preferred.

NEW BIRD EXAMINATION

The second most valuable step for a new bird owner is to locate an avian veterinarian, preferably one who is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Check with local bird clubs, your closest veterinarian school, or with local large-animal veterinarians to obtain recommendations.

The AAV recommends a veterinary examination with any newly purchased bird within three days after purchase. If disease is present, the possibility of diagnoses and appropriate treatment is enhanced by early detection. Many serious diseases are not visually evident.

Even if the new bird checks out "normal" results of diagnostic tests performed at the initial visit provide valuable reference for subsequent examinations.

COMPONTENTS OF THE EXAM

History - What you know about the background of your bird such as its age, sex, origin, length of time in the household, diet and caging, can be very important information in determining and maintaining its overall health. 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 if the owners has: purchased bulk seed from open bins in a pet shop that houses birds; 2) visited other aviaries, bird shows, or bird markets; 3) boarded the bird with someone who also owns birds; or 4) had a caretaker who owns birds comer over to feed and water the bird.

Physical Evaluation - Observation of the bird in the cage may determine general body conformation, obesity, tumors, posture, attitude, and character of respiration, Actual hands-on examination is essential for more accurate determination of condition. Although many internal problems many not be evident from physical 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 is an adult, its weight should remain relatively constant. Checking the birds weight, am important part of the annual examination, will give valuable information about the bird's health. Weight should be measured in grams, not ounces, to detect small changes. Occasionally weighing the bird at home will provide an idea of comparative gain or loss. Small electronic gram-scales are suitable for home weight comparisons. For a larger bird, be sure the scales goes to the desired weight range.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Depending on the birds history, results of physical examination, species, age and general condition, your veterinarian may suggest some of the following diagnostic tests to further evaluate the birds health.

Appraisal of Droppings - The appearance of the droppings (volume, color and compositions) may help the veterinarian generally asses the bird's health and consider certain disease conditions. Most birds are nervous in the clinic, so their droppings may be abnormally loose. A fecal sample can be examined microscopically to determine the presence of internal parasites.

Psittacosis Test - Several screening tests are available for the detection of psittacosis which used to be called "parrot fever". This is an important part of the new bird exam or annual checkup because the causative agent, Chlamydia Psittaci may be transmitted from birds to humans.

Blood Tests - A blood sample might be taken to determine the amount and distribution of blood cells. This information may reveal the possibility of certain diseases, and further tests many 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 - Your avian veterinarian may recommend a culture of the choana (throat), cloaca (vent), crop (esophogus), or some other tissue/fluid sample to determine abnormal growth of bacterial or yeast. At the same time, antibiotic sensitivity tests may be used to determine an appropriate antibiotic if the bacterial growth requires therapy.

Radiographs - Bone fractures, size and relative relationship of internal organs, presence of foreign bodies or soft tissue masses such as tumors, and condition of the lungs and air sacs are often evaluated with radiographs. The use of anesthesia may be necessary to produce quality radiographs.

Cytology - Wit the use of special stains, a veterinarian skilled in this procedure can evaluate smears of tissues or fluids to assist in making a diaagnosis.

Virus Screening - Tests are constantly being developed to screen birds for existing and emerging avian viruses. The detection of viruses is especially important for aviary birds. Some viral agents do not appear as clinic disease until the bird is under stress, such as laying eggs, feeding young or at weaning, or being moved to a new home (sold or purchased).

Vaccinations - Vaccinations are relatively new advance in avian medicine. Ask you avian veterinarian about current vaccines.

Sex Determination - If you wish to know the bird's sex and it is not visually discernable, ask your avian veterinarian about the choices available for determining the sex of your bird.

ANNUAL CHECK UPS

Because birds hide symptoms of disease, signs of the beginning stages of disease often go unnoticed. Annual checkups are advised for early identification and management of potential disorders.

New information about birds is continually being discovered. Occasionally consulting your veterinarian will keep you up to date on recent advances.