GRH Avian

 Sarah Eddon, of Burscough Vets4Pets in West Lancashire, focuses on some common diseases in budgies and how to approach, manage and prevent them.

Preventative healthcare in birds

• Recognise the various ways in which animals experience and utilise full spectrum sunlight
• Understand the health and welfare implications of inadequate UV provision in exotic pets
• Identify common radiographic abnormalities in exotic species

The dyspnoeic bird

• Identify the most common husbandry related diseases in exotic pets
• Appreciate the challenges of managing husbandry related disease
• Be able to advise exotic pet owners on required husbandry changes

  In this article, Tom Dutton, of Great Western Exotics, summarizes his approach to a number of emergency avian presentations.

This lecture focuses on the triage and first aid of avian fractures, as well as the conservative treatment options suitable for birds. It reviews the basic relevant anatomical and physiological characteristics that affect the type of fractures seen in birds, and the prognosis those patients may have. Particular emphasis is placed on the type of bandages and splints we can apply to avian patients and when those are indicated.

Birds described as ‘not doing right’ may be suffering from a diverse range of physical, nutritional, environmental and behavioural conditions. It is only once a diagnosis is made that appropriate therapy can be instigated in order to offer the very best chance of resolution This chapter outlines a methodical, systematic approach to diagnosis of the sick bird. Case examples: Goshawk with aspergillosis; African Grey Parrot with hypocalcaemia; Lanner Falcon with spondylosis; Peregrine Falcon with a coccidia burden.