Pet Bird Problems

Pet birds are susceptible to many problems, most of which have the same symptoms. Any bird that shows even the slightest divination from the way it normally looks or acts should be taken to the vet immediately. It does not take a long time for a bird to progress to the final stages of a disease. In most cases, the diseases can be prevented by taking proper care of the bird in the first place.

Parrot Fever

Parrot fever or psittacosis is very serious and can be spread between species. Humans can catch Parrot Fever from birds. Parrot fever is caused by a bacteria called chlamydophila psittaci. Birds can be carriers of the disease and not show any symptoms and if they are used for breeding, can pass the disease down to their offspring. Symptoms include lack of appetite, weight loss, depression, listlessness, difficulty breathing, watery green droppings, pink eyes and discharge from eyes or nose. A bird with these symptoms should be quarantined until a diagnosis is made.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a yeast infection that is most prevalent in young cockatiels. It can affect the digestive tract, beak and respiratory system, the skin, feathers, eyes and the reproductive tract. There are certain things that will make a bird more susceptible to Candidiasis such as a long time use of antibiotics, poor sanitation, not enough vitamin A, seed-only diets, other infections, trauma or stress. There are many and symptoms depending on where the infection strikes and the vet will have to do tests to get a diagnosis. The disease is treated with antifungal medications, but the cause has to be eliminated as well.

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a respiratory disease caused by the fungus aspergillus. It is an air borne fungus that the bird inhales. Usually it will not cause a problem, however if the bird has an impaired immune system because of other illnesses, stress, nutrition, poor husbandry, unsanitary conditions, other respiratory problems and long term use of certain medications, then the fungus can cause further problems. Parrots and mynah birds seen to be the most susceptible. Aspergillosis is very deadly because in most cases the bird will not show any symptoms until it is too late. If it is caught early enough, treatments include surgery and antifungal drugs.

Pacheco's Disease

Pacheco's disease, or parrot herpesvirus is acute viral hepatitis that seems to strike parrots from the new world more than those from Australasia and Africa. The apparent cause is stress, which causes the bird to become more susceptible to disease. It can be caught from another bird who is infected or from one that is a carrier, but shows no signs of the disease. Unfortunately, Pacheco's disease is considered untreatable because the bird usually dies within 48 hours of being infected.

Teflon Toxicity

Teflon toxicity is a respiratory condition caused by the noxious fumes emitted from overheated cookware coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, or Teflon. In a mild case, the bird will exhibit difficulty breathing, wheezing, un-coordination, weakness, depression, anxious behavior, or seizures. In sever cases, there are no warning symptoms. The bird will simply die of asphyxiation. The fumes can be harmful to humans as well and you need to be careful when using Teflon coated cooking ware. They should not get to more than 530 degrees F which usually happens if water is allowed to boil away leaving a dry pot on the heat. The most dangerous product is Teflon-coated drip pans, which can reach temperatures of more then 600 degrees. If a pot becomes scratched, it will be dangerous at lower temperatures and should not be used at all.

Resources

• Pacheo's Disease
• Teflon Toxicity