AVIAN MEDICINE

Bird healthcare is different from dog and cat medicine in many ways, and not all veterarians are prepared to treat pet birds.  At Sacajawea Healthcare for Pets we have cared for birds for more than 25 years.

Birds are susceptible to different diseases, and often require different types of tests and medications.  The most important elements of bird healthcare are summarized below:



THE PRESERVATION RESPONSE:
Birds hide their symptoms, and even a seriously sick bird can appear normal in every way.  In addition, the bird's metabolism is so rapid that they develop illness more quickly than mammals.  One day of sickness for a bird is comparable to one week of sickness for a dog or cat.  This means that the bird owner should immediately call their veterinarian to report ANY signs that their bird is not acting normally.  We often have to rely on laboratory tests to determine if a bird is healthy, or to diagnose its illness.

MANY COMMON BACTERIA CAN CAUSE DISEASE:
The most common health problems we see in parrots are associated with overgrowth of harmful bacteria.  These bacteria are common in the environment, and many can be normally carried by mammals (such as ourselves).  The normal healthy bird is able to resist these germs, but stress, poor diet, or other diseases suppress the immune system and allow the bacteria to cause respiratory or intestinal infections.  Periodic bacterial cultures are used to find these abnormal bacteria before they cause disease.

DIET IS CRITICAL:
The most important way to keep your bird healthy is to feed an excellent diet.  For most pet bird species, a diet of seeds will always result in Vitamin A deficiency and disease.  Fresh foods, including vegetables and fruits, and pelleted diets can be used to create a balanced diet.  Your veterinarian can help you find the right balance for your particular type of bird.

For more bird topics, see the menu at the left under "Avian Medicine"