As a pet owner, it’s important to know the signs that your animal is ill or injured. Pet birds are vulnerable to many diseases and conditions that you should be aware of to ensure the well-being of your beloved animal. You can be proactive regarding your winged friend’s health by watching for these common symptoms of sicknesses and making pet care a top priority.
What Are Some Problems Birds Experience?
1. Proventricular Dilatation Disease
Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is most commonly found in macaws, parrots, and cockatoos but can also affect other pet birds. It negatively affects the nerves that supply the gastrointestinal tract of birds. Recorded symptoms include weight loss, diet changes, and a swollen throat. However, this disease is volatile because not all birds show symptoms until they are heavily afflicted. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this illness, but there are pet care methods and steps you can implement to ease your bird’s pain.
2. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is also known as psittacine circovirus (PCV) or psittacine circoviral disease (PCD). It is a highly infectious viral disease that affects male and female parrots of any age. It causes abnormal feather growth and loss and beak deformities.
If your parrot displays any of these serious symptoms, a veterinarian will be able to diagnose the issue and provide a pain-management treatment plan. The illness is often fatal, but spontaneous recovery can occur in many species, including budgerigars, lorikeets, and lovebirds. However, it is unknown whether some birds will continue to carry and potentially shed the virus in their feather dust and feces despite no longer suffering from PBFD.
3. Avian Polyomavirus
Avian polyomavirus (AP) mainly affects young parrots but can affect all caged birds. This disease is very important to watch for because your animal can contract this illness and die within 24 to 48 hours. Younger birds are more susceptible to the condition, and budgies and members of the parrot family are more likely to contract the illness. Canaries and finches are also susceptible but to a lesser degree. However, there is a vaccine available, so be proactive with your pet care and schedule a veterinary appointment for your winged friend.
Ensure your pet bird has a long and fruitful life by getting pet vaccinations and regular checkups from Wards Corner Animal Hospital in Loveland, OH. Dr. Henehan has been practicing for over 35 years, and the clinic specializes in preventative care to ensure your beloved pet remains healthy long-term. We offer routine checkups, geriatric care, and surgical services for animals, and they perform house calls if necessary. Call (513) 683-2883 to schedule an appointment.
