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Pet Health Articles

  • Quaker parrots are small- to medium-sized birds. They are green with a grey chest and neck. They make great pets if hand-tamed. Quaker parrots can be excellent talkers and tend to bond closely to one or two household members.

  • In the wild, a bird will try to uphold a strong appearance when sick. By the time a pet bird begins to display symptoms of illness, it has likely been sick for several days to weeks. Many things contribute to ill health. This handout provides bird owners with a list of signs that will alert them that their bird is sick.

  • Respiratory disease is common in birds and can be caused by infection with bacteria, fungus, or parasites; by exposure to aerosolized toxins or environmental irritants; or by pressure on the respiratory tract from enlarged organs or tumors. Birds can have varying signs, such as coughing, sneezing, ocular or nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing. Any bird showing respiratory tract signs should be examined and tested by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Over-the-counter medications from pet stores are not recommended for treating sick birds.

  • Ronidazole is an antiprotozoal, antiparasitic medication given by mouth and is used off label to treat Tritrichomonas infections in cats and pet birds, and to treat giardia in dogs and cats. Ronidazole is given by mouth in the form of a capsule or liquid.

  • Medications can do more harm than good if they are stored or administered incorrectly. Protect your family and pets by handling medications safely. Here are some best practices for medication safety.

  • Seizures are reasonably common in pet birds and should be treated as a medical emergency. Diagnostic testing is often required so that your veterinarian can diagnose the problem and determine the necessary treatment plan.

  • Senegal parrots are small- to medium-sized birds. They are generally very friendly and are very adept at mimicking household sounds like the microwave or telephone. They generally bond with one to three household members.

  • Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.

  • At certain times of the year, birds are under the powerful influence of sex hormones and will behave instinctively in distinct ways that you may not have witnessed before. This handout describes several of these behaviors in birds and how to prevent or manage them.

  • Your pet's medical records provide a complete, organized history of their health. They include previous illnesses, test results, treatments, medications, and responses to treatment. This handout outlines why these records are so important for your pet's veterinary care.