Unit 4: Avian - Diseases (Cram)

Disease of what organ in birds causes listlessness, ascites (fluid in abdomen), exercise intolerance, cough, and dyspnea?

Heart disease

What disease in birds is most commonly seen in hand–fed baby birds?

Crop–stasis/crop–burns

What are some causes of crop stasis (failure of crop to move food into lower digestive tract)?

Foreign objects, infection, overfeeding, low temperatures, atony from overstretching (loss of tone)

What device can be used to help a bird who is suffering from crop stasis due to atony?

Crop bra

What method of heating food for birds often causes crop burn?

Microwave (creates hot spots)

What are some signs of crop burn?

Discoloured skin over crop, leaking food/fluid from crop onto skin, painful, off feed

What is the treatment for mild crop burn?

Withhold food for several feeding, replace with electrolytes and antibiotics if needed

What is the treatment for severe crop burn?

Surgically debride damaged area

What kind of nutritional deficiency can causes beak deformities?

Calcium deficiency

What is the genus species of mite that affects pet store birds species? It is commonly called the cere mite

Knemidokoptes pilae

What are some causes of enteritis in birds?

Diet change, stress, bacteria, virus

What is this condition called in birds?

Cloacal prolase

What are some reasons cloacal prolapse develops?

Chronic diarrhea, straining, trying to pass an egg

Is cloacal prolapse an emergency?

Yes

What is this condition called and what is it most often caused by?

Feather plucking/mutilation. Often caused by stress, boredom, sexual frustration, etc.

What is this condition called?

Feather cyst

In what species is feather cysts most common?

Canaries

What is the common and anatomical name for this condition?

Bumblefoot or pododermatitis

Is bumblefoot more common in light or heavy birds?

Heavy birds (cockatiels, amazon parrots, chickens)

What are some subtle general signs of illness in birds you should inform clients about?

Tail bobing, excessive sleeping, huddled posture, feather soiling, not perching, voice change, etc.