Related Web Resources: Index of Bird Diseases … Symptoms and Potential Causes … Bird Species and Their Respective Syndromes (Lists diseases specific bird species are most susceptible to) … Other Sick-Bird Symptoms
Respiratory Problems – Possible Symptoms: Open-mouthed Breathing, Panting, Sneezing, Coughing, Wheezing, Squeaking, Wet Nestrils, Dyspnea :
Acute Bronchitis:
Half of the time caused by a bacterial / Megabacteriosis or viral pathogen. If it’s bacterial, an antibiotic may have to be administered. Please refer to this webpage for information.
Can also be a result from breathing irritating fumes, such as those of tobacco smoke, teflon exposure, or polluted air. Please refer to toxicities.
Aspergillosis: Can affect just about any parrot. Respiratory symptoms, dfficulty breathing, rapid breathing and/or exercise intolerance are common If any portion of the central nervous system has become involved, the bird may have tremors, an uneven or wobbly gait, seizures, or paralysis.
Canary pox – Affects canaries. Common / possible symptoms: Sudden death or the sudden onset of difficult breathing.
Coryza (common cold) – A disease affecting chicken, pheasants, guinea fowl, turkeys and other game birds. Common symptoms: Respiratory distress accompanied by watery and swollen eyes
Psittacosis (Parrot Fever – Chlamydophila psittaci)
Airsack Mites: Common in: Finches (especially Gouldians) and canaries; but have also been diagnosed in other birds.
Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) – Affects chickens. Symptoms: The disease affects the respiratory and urogenital tract of birds resulting in respiratory distress, sneezing, rattling and . lesions in the trachea.
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) – Affects fowls, pheasants and turkeys. Water fowl, such as ducks and geese, show no signs, but ducks are known to carry ILT – Common symptoms: contagious respiratory disease which is characterised by gasping, neck extension and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane around the eye).
Newcastle Disease: Respiratory distress, and rasping followed in 1 or 2 days by a paralysis of legs and wings and bad down between legs or straight back over shoulders, twisting of neck (stargazing). In adult birds, loss of production along with some respiratory distress and paralysis after 4 to 6 days.
Overheating / Heat Exposure / Life-threatening Emergency (immediately move bird to a cool area and provide water). Common / possible symptoms: Open-mouthed breathing, panting, holding their wings away from their body, in an attempt to cool itself down behaving as if they are stressed
Sarcocystosis has been observed in a variety of exotic species but is most prevalent among non- American (African, Asia and Australian) psittacine / parrot species. Cockatoos, cockatiels and African parrots are most commonly affected. Common / possible symptoms: Excretion of yellow pigmented urates and lethargy. Clinical signs include severe dyspnea (labored breathing), excretion of yellow pigmented urates and lethargy.
Food Intolerances / Allergies (chronic respiratory problems)
Wheezing and Difficulty Breathing – caused by inhaled dust or seeds. Occasionally odd objects get stuck up its nostrils (i.e., seeds / millets). Check and, if applicable, remove any objects that may obstruct your bird’s airways.
Pionus Parrots may wheeze or make snorting sound when excited or frightened, which may be mistaken for a sign of respiratory distress.
Gallid herpesvirus – Infectious Laryngotracheitis – A disease of chickens and pheasants
Emergency Care for Birds in Respiratory Distress
NEED A VET?
USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian
Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.
Respiratory Diseases / Respiratory Distress
Diseases that affect mainly the air passages, windpipe and lungs are classified as “respiratory diseases.” Traditionally, respiratory system diseases were known as “colds” that were thought to be a result of environmental factors, such as drafts and chilling. However, as research advanced, it became apparent that “colds” were actually infectious diseases caused by different disease pathogens with many common characteristics.
Bronchitis:
Symptoms:
Nasal discharge, sneezing, ocular (eye) discharge, swelling below the eye, ruffled feathers; in severe cases: tail-bobbing, increased respiratory rate, and labored breathing (even at rest). Further development may include serious air sac infections or pneumonia, and death.
Medications:
Several antibiotics / anti-fungals are being used to treat respiratory infections. The doctor will prescribe something that specifically treats the pathogen that is causing the disease.
Cipro is an antibiotic that is used mostly for serious sinus and upper respiratory infections. The taste is very unpleasant and it is usually administered with a syringe. years. It was used to treat red tide in affected shore birds. It is also a treatment for Anthrax poisoning. In fact, when government buildings were under alert for toxic mailings, Cipro was the medication they provided the employees with. It is a very potent medicine and needs to be used the entire duration of the treatment as prescribed by a medical professional. It is imperative that the treatment is followed through. Do not cut it short, as the infection can come back stronger.
Causes include (but are not limited to):
Impaired immunesystems, either by stress or poor nutrition, are especially susceptible to viruses or molds (Aspergillosis).
Diagnosis:
Typically by laboratory culture.
Treatment and Supportive Options:
Traditional Treatment:
- Systemic antibiotics that have been shown to be sensitive to the agent involved, vitamin and nutritional supplementation, and supportive care.
Holistic Treatment Options:
Water Filtration: Most of our tap water is chlorinated and fluoridated, and when showering both chemicals become airborne and not only dry out our skin and hair, but contributes to respiratory problems. Shower filters are relatively inexpensive and very easy to install. These filters remove most of the chemicals in the water, allowing us to breathe easy. Shower filters generally contribute to healthy home environments.
This greatly benefits both humans as well as birds that enjoy showering with their owners. As birds have very efficient respiratory systems, it is even more so important for them not to be exposed to contaminants in shower water.
Clean Air Systems – a must for those suffering from any allegies and / or respiratory problems. Removing toxins, dust and pathogens from the air will provide instant relief for those suffering from respiratory diseases.
NEED A VET?
USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian
Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.
Index of Bird Diseases … Symptoms and Potential Causes … Bird Species and Diseases They are Most Susceptible to
