Pet Health Articles
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Parasites are not commonly diagnosed in pet birds; however, when present, they can cause generalized debilitation. With external parasites, your veterinarian can often make a diagnosis based on a physical examination and a microscopic analysis of skin lesions. Intestinal parasites are usually discovered when the feces are examined microscopically. Blood parasites are typically found during a routine blood count. All anti-parasite treatment should be under the advice of your veterinarian.
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Paroxetine (brand names: Paxil®, Brisdelle®) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat canine aggression, anxiety, and stereotypic/obsessive compulsive behaviors. In cats, it has been used to treat aggression, urine marking, and other behavior problems.
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Penicillamine is used to treat copper-storage disease and copper-related liver disease in cats and dogs, subclinical hepatitis in Dobermans, and to treat cystine bladder stones in dogs. It has also been used as an antidote and chelating agent in the treatment of lead or mercury poisoning in birds, cats, and dogs.
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Perches should vary in size so birds can firmly and comfortably grip or grasp them. Birds can get sore feet if the perch diameter is the same all the time. Perches not only serve as a place for birds to stand on but also as objects on which to chew. This article discusses the various types of perches, recommendations, and best practices for cleaning and maintenance.
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Phytonadione, also called vitamin K1 (brand names: Mephyton, Phytomenadione, Aqua-Mephyton, K-Caps, Konakion, Hemophyt) is a vitamin supplement used in cats, dogs, horses, birds, and rabbits as an antidote to anticoagulant rodenticide, sweet clover, dicumarol, and sulfaquinoxaline toxicities. It is also used to treat bleeding disorders.
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The domestic pigeon includes over 300 breeds, all descending from the rock dove. They originated in Eurasia, but are now found all over the world. They are generally hardy birds that are easy to tame and care for. As with any pet, pigeons and doves need regular, routine, veterinary health checkups.
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Many birds naturally eat plants as part of their diet. Birds will chew on and possibly consume plants in the course of play and curiosity. Some plants will just make a bird sick while others can kill them. This handout catalogues many of the indoor and outdoor plants that are considered safe for birds.
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Many birds naturally eat plants as part of their diet. Some birds will chew on and possibly consume plants out of curiosity or during play. Luckily, most plants considered poisonous do not cause serious illness, but due to the possible harmful effects, it is best to prevent access to plants unless their safety for birds is known.
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Polyfolliculosis is a condition in which several feathers grow out of one feather follicle. These feathers may be irritating, causing the bird to pick at them or pluck them out. There is no specific treatment for this condition.
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Avian polyomavirus infection (APV) can cause benign feather lesions in budgies, slow crop emptying in newly weaned parrots, hemorrhages on the skin, or acute death. Clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and preventive measures are explained in this handout.