Avian tech 2

Quick Examination Techniques

  • Using Penlight:

    • A brief examination can be conducted using a penlight.

  • Speculum Usage:

    • A speculum may break the beak edges.

  • Sedated Oral Exam:

    • If necessary, conduct a sedated oral examination.

    • Areas to check include tongue, glottis, and choana.

Oral Examination Procedures

  • Mouth Opening Methods:

    • Once the bird is sedated, use paper clips or gauze strips to keep the mouth open.

  • Sample Collection:

    • If plaques are observed, take samples for testing.

    • Use a Q-tip to swab and prepare a slide for analysis.

Common Oral Pathologies

  • Bacterial Infections

  • Fungal Infections:

    • Yeast:

    • Most commonly caused by Candida albicans.

  • Hypovitaminosis A:

    • Leads to squamous metaplasia of the oral epithelium.

  • Trichomoniasis:

    • Caused by Trichomonas gallinae.

    • Commonly known as “frounce” or “canker.”

    • Primarily affects pigeons, doves, and raptors.

  • Pox Lesions:

    • Viral lesions more common in poultry, canaries, and outdoor housed psittacines.

  • Diagnosis Methods:

    • Initiate with a swab for direct wet mount and gram stain.

Physiological Assessments

  • Eyelid Skin Turgor:

    • Check for dehydration - critically dehydrated when eyelid remains elevated (10-12%).

    • Such birds will require IV fluids; check blood glucose first as they are typically severely hypoglycemic.

Facial Anatomy Vocabulary

  • Nares:

    • Refers to nostrils.

  • Cere:

    • Refers to the tissue around the nare.

Respiratory Conditions

  • Rhinitis and Sinusitis:

    • Can occur together.

    • Sometimes presents with dry debris in nares without an infection.

    • If excessive debris is found, consider cleaning methods such as curettage or nasal flush.

    • Suggestion: A Revlon nail curette can effectively clean the nasal passages.

  • Nasal Aspergillosis:

    • Commonly observed in African Grey Parrots (AGP).

    • Aspergillus fumigatus can form granulomas.

    • Poor nutrition can predispose birds to this condition.

    • Following curettage, monitoring is advised.

Beak Health and Issues

  • Beak Overgrowth and Maintenance:

    • Beaks can overgrow and may need trimming as necessary.

    • Trauma or genetic factors can contribute to growth issues.

    • Scissor Beak:

    • A specific condition where the top and bottom beak do not align properly.

    • Typically regarded as permanent and requires frequent trims.

  • Cause of Improper Beak Growth:

    • Trauma leading to improper wear or growth.

    • Factors including diet (soft foods, lack of toys, absence of foraging activities).

    • Liver Disease:

    • Particularly concerning in budgerigars; check nails for further signs.

    • Mite Infestation:

    • Caused by Knemidocoptes pilae in budgies, related health issues such as bruising can also occur, which can improve with treatment.

Gastrointestinal Issues

  • Crop Stasis:

    • Involves fluid build-up in crop or the issue of not emptying.

    • Many potential causes, thus may not indicate a primary crop issue; deeper investigation is necessary.

  • Foreign Material in Crop:

    • Example of a common issue seen in cockatiels.

    • Identifying and treating crop burns is crucial.

Body Scoring in Birds

  • Body Condition Scoring (BCS):

    • Assessment is highly subjective.

    • A score of 3/5 indicates a normal condition.

    • No universally accepted BCS system exists for avian patients due to significant species and individual variability (e.g., lifestyle, activity level, seasonal behavior).

    • Development of a clear BCS standard is required for better consistency in assessments.

Indicators of Malnutrition

  • Physical Signs of Malnutrition:

    • Birds should not have a visible cleavage or pronounced body outlines.

    • Observation of a very thin macaw or emaciated canary is of concern.

    • Extreme weight loss may indicate a chronic underlying disease with a poorer prognosis.

Fat Deposits and Examination Techniques

  • Organized Fat Deposits:

    • Known as lipomas; may not always be visible externally.

  • Preparation for Examination:

    • The use of isopropyl alcohol is critical for wetting feathers and examining the skin underneath, water is ineffective.

Coelomic Examination

  • Coelom Definition:

    • Refers to the abdominal cavity.

    • Upon palpation, should have a concave appearance.

  • Liver Concerns:

    • The liver should not extend beyond the keel bone, indicating health.

  • Hepatomegaly Signs:

    • Coelomic distention can indicate potential issues:

    • Fluid: Ascites, or accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

    • Organomegaly: Enlargement of organs.

    • Tumor Presence: Presence of tumors or abnormal growths.

    • Egg Issues: Ability to detect eggs through trans-illumination.

  • Liver Biopsy Access:

    • Easy access for biopsy if needed.

Additional Important Observations

  • Distended Abdomen Assessment:

    • Perform abdominal trans-illumination if distention is noted, especially when a shelled egg cannot be felt.

Winging Assessments

  • Underwing Inspection:

    • Important to check for conditions such as axillary dermatitis, self-trauma, and broken blood feathers.

Band Identification in Domestic Birds

  • Types of Bands:

    • Domestic Band: Indicates closed.

    • Import Band: Indicates open.

    • Legal Aspects: Referencing the Wild Bird Act 1993, which prohibits importing birds.

    • Importance of checking for a band and documenting its information; open bands can pose dangers and may require removal.

Foot Examination Considerations

  • Significance of Feet:

    • Examination of birds’ feet is crucial.

    • A pressure sore on one foot implies pain on the opposite side.

  • Tophi Identification:

    • Gout conditions related to high uric acid levels can present as tophi (uric acid deposits) in the feet, resembling abscesses.

    • Gout Etiology:

    • Occurs due to kidney failure in processing urates, leading to elevated blood uric acid.

    • Uric acid crystals can deposit in joints (articular gout) or organs (visceral gout).

General Physical Examination Tips

  • Feather Examination:

    • Wet down feathers to inspect the spine for hemorrhage in birds exhibiting limping or paralysis.

    • Emphasize the importance of inspecting the back for any lesions.

  • Skull Examination:

    • The examination is necessary as birds have relatively transparent body structure.

    • Example: An identified cockatiel was seen seizuring after flying into a window.

Preening and Cloacal Exam

  • Preen Gland Examination:

    • The bilobed gland produces oil that aids in preening and waterproofing feathers.

    • In most birds, run fingers down the lower back to locate the preen gland, assessing for abnormalities.

    • If necessary, part feathers for closer inspection, applying alcohol for better visibility.

  • Cloacal Exam Procedures:

    • In parrots, gently evert mucosal tissue to check for papillomas.

    • Color of mucous membranes (mm) can help assess for anemia.

    • Deep cloacal exams require sedation for thorough evaluation.