Bird Symptoms: What to Look For in Your Bird

Pet birds are treated by our small animal vet at Radnor Veterinary Hospital. Our animal hospital cares for birds, reptiles and other exotic pets in and around the Radnor, Wayne, and St Davids areas of Pennsylvania. If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of any disease or is acting out of the ordinary, bring him to our St. Davids animal hospital for experienced, high quality pet care.

Pet Bird Disease: Macaw Wasting Syndrome

Also known as parrot wasting syndrome, or more formally, Avian Proventricular Dilatation Disease, this disease can affect any type of bird. It commonly appears in cockatoos, parrots, and conures. Macaw wasting syndrome is a digestive disease. If suffering from the disease, your bird may eat more than usual, but lose weight. He may spit up his food or fail to fully digest it.

Sadly, the disease is fatal. Your bird's life may be prolonged by feeding him a liquid diet. Typically, euthanasia is the best course of action once a bird is infected. Prevent the disease by keeping your pet bird and his cage clean.

Pet Bird Disease: Psittacosis

Psittacosis, or Parrot Fever, is a disease caused by the Chlamydia bacteria. It can be passed from birds to humans and is spread through the bird's droppings or dust in his cage. If your bird is suffering from Parrot Fever, he may seem lethargic and will lose interest in eating. The bird will lose weight and may experience diarrhea.

Our Wayne reptiles and birds vets will take a sample of either your bird's blood or feces to test for the bacteria. If the disease is confirmed, Doxycycline is be prescribed to kill the bacteria and treat your pet. Treatment options include adding the antibiotic to your pet's drinking water or feeding it to him in the form of a pellet. Treatment usually takes 45 days to complete.
Do you have a pet bird? What symptoms do you look for or have you noticed when your bird is sick?