Index of Bird Diseases … Symptoms and Potential Causes

Bird Species and Their Respective Syndromes (Lists diseases specific bird species are most susceptible to)

Potential Causes for Swollen Abdomen or Crop:

Candida

Crop Burn (discolored and swollen crop)

Enlarged Spleen:

  • Avian Chlamydiosis (Parrot Fever / Infectious Disease): Pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws.
  • Gout
  • Polyoma (Infectious Disease)
  • Sarcocystosis: Affects psittacines, primarily those of Australian, Asian and African origin. It is caused by a protozoan parasite (Sarcocystis falcatula) which is introduced into the aviary by opossums
  • Lymphoid Leucosis (Poultry Viral Disease / Infectious Disease): Occurs mainly in laying hens between 4 and 10 months or age. Tumors in the bursa of Fabricius will spread to many other internal organs, especially the liver, spleen and kidney.

Liver Disease / Fatty Liver Disease

Tumors

Ulcerative Dermatitis – Red, oozing, ulcerated skin. The affected area is often swollen. Commonly affected are lovebirds, cockatiels, grey cheeks, amazons and cockatoos

Young Birds / Chicks Only:

Polyoma / Budgerigar Fledgling Disease (BFD) – Young birds are affected. Hatchlings may develop swollen abdomens, discoloration of the skin, subcutaneous hemorrhages, head and neck tremors, ataxia and decreased down and contour feathers.

.Breeding-age Hens Only:

Egg yolk peritonitis – Common / possible symptoms: Sudden death, loss of appetite/anorexia, weakness, depression, respiratory distress, lethargy, fluffed feathers, lack of vocalizations, yolk-colored droppings, swollen vent and/or abdomen (the swelling feels spongy to the touch), and ascites. Some of these symptoms also mimic egg binding. Most commonly seen in cockatiels, lovebirds, and waterfowl.

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Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.