The onset of illness and disease in pet birds is difficult to detect because they are programmed to mask signs of illness. In the wild only the strong survive is not just a saying but a reality, and displaying signs of weakness often means being attacked. Here are 7 symptoms that let you know your pet is ill and needs help immediately.
Diarrhea-Caused by abnormalities in the intestinal tract, diarrhea can result because of germs, infections, bacteria or viruses that have been introduced and cause additional fluids to be introduced in an attempt to eliminate the problem. It can also be the result of food moving too quickly through the intestines because of a disruption of the normal progression. This means nutrients are not able to be absorbed because the food moves too fast, and if left unchecked leads to dehydration and starvation. Greenish colored diarrhea can be an indication of metal poisoning or Psittacosis.
Eye Discharge-This symptom is most often suggestive of Psittacosis, a disease which can infect not only other birds but humans as well. Do not delay in getting your bird to the vet for immediate attention as this disease can cause your bird a swift death. Other birds and humans who have had contact with the infected bird should also be screened for the disease. If caught in time, antibiotics can usually affect a complete recovery.
Lethargy-There are many causes of lethargy in birds-none of them are good. By the time your bird has become lethargic, it is seriously ill and should be seen by your avian vet immediately. Causes for the problem can include infection from bacteria or viruses, cancer, or heart, liver or kidney problems. Your vet can perform a number of tests to accurately diagnosis the problem and determine the best treatment.
Loss of Appetite-Loss of appetite is an indication of a severe problem that needs to be given professional attention immediately. It is likely that your bird has been sick for a while by the time loss of appetite is apparent, and prompt medical attention can help save your bird's life.
Nasal Discharge-This can be caused by household dust and dander, bacterial infections, or other particulates. When the discharge is clear it usually indicates a normal clearing of the nasal passages. A continued and colored discharge is abnormal and is an indication of infection and needs to be treated by the vet immediately. Unless a high efficiency particle arresting air purifier is used to constantly clean the air, birds that produce large amounts of feather dust such as Cockatoos, Macaws, and African Greys are subject to a larger amount of these particulates.
Puffed Up Feathers-Birds puff up their feathers for a number of reasons. Sometimes they do it to appear larger if they feel threatened. Other times they may puff up if they are cold, or even to relax when they are sleep. But if your bird remains puffed up throughout the day, it is very likely that it is ill and needs medical attention. Once symptoms become obvious, your bird is in serious trouble and needs help. Don't wait. Get to the vet.
Vomiting-Birds sometimes regurgitate during mating season. But play it safe, and consult your vet to make sure the vomiting is not an indication of a more serious problem.
The best way to prevent illness in your bird is to take a proactive approach and feed it a healthy diet, keep the cage meticulously clean, know your bird's habits and see the vet promptly when any habits change, and use a high efficiency particle arresting air purifier to keep airborne contaminants to a minimum thus decreasing the chance of the spread of airborne disease to your bird and you.
An excellent HEPA air purifier to help keep your bird healthy by removing airborne pollutants from the air is offered by PurerAir.com-- the Bird Dander Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html
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