Dr. Hoefer - Avian Flashcards
what is unique to avian skin
no glands except for uropygial (preen gland)
common reason clients will bring in birds to vet
poor feathering
causes of poor feathering
- trauma from environment
- cagemate trauma
- growth interruption
- poor preening
what are stress bars
interruption in growth of feather from stressful event
the stressful event can happen in as little as 1 day to cause stress bar
name 3 CS commonly seen in juvenile birds
unpreened feathers
stress bars
trauma
what are 3 potential non medical causes for poor preening
hand raised babies
over-zealous mates
stressful environment
what are 4 medical problems that can cause poor feathering
- nutritional disorders
- endocrine problems (T4)
- parasites: lice & mites
- infections rare (PBFD)
what is more common medical or non medical causes for poor feathering
non medical
what is the #1 nutritional disorder in birds is
Vitamin A deficiency!
what is the result of Vit. A deficiency
squamous metaplasia of epithelia cells
hyperkeratosis of keratin structures (like beaks!)
pigmentary coloration
is it easy to dx endocrine dz in birds?
NO!
its not like dogs & cats where T4 testing is available readily
TSH stim testing more available but the normal levels change very often due to season, production status, breeding season, etc., & each spp may have different normals
true infections of feathers are rare but which one do you NEED TO REMEMBER
PBFD = Psittasine Beak & Feather Disease
circovirus
young birds
fatal
causes poor feather growth (feather dystrophy) & immunosuppression leaving vulnerable to other infections
name some integumentary parasites in birds
- chicken mite aka “red” mite or northern fowl mite
- active at night, very small
- use towel trick
- lice in pigeons & chickens are very common
- knemidocoptes = scaley face & leg mite
there are 2 types of lice biting & sucking… what type of lice do birds have
Biting!
think birds bite & their lice do too!
what do these pics show
tx
knemidocoptes (scaley face & leg mite
responds to ivermectin
what is the behavioral problem seen as a disease of captivity
feather damaging behavior (fna feather plucking)
most birds just pull out feathers
Generally are not identifiably sick
Mutilation of skin and muscle uncommon
Usually a lifelong problem
approach to feather plucking
Understand owners are really upset
Examine feathers and patterns closely
Record distribution and appearance
Make sure bird doesn’t have a “disease”
which bird is plucking? what does other bird have?
the bird missing chest feathers is plucking
the bird missing head feathers is hypothyroid
how to work up the plucking birs
Good history
Thorough physical exam
Screening blood work
Possible imaging: radiographs
Fecal testing: parasites, Giardia
Skin biopsy
Bottom line:
Is it medical vs behavioral problem???
therapy for feather destruction
Adjust diet and environment
Behavior modification
Occasionally meds are used
Collars only if severe or bleeding
what breeds is self-mutilation syndrome seen in
cockatoos, quakers, eclectus
therapy for mutilator
Clean and dress wound
Prevent further destruction
Provide pain relief
Antibiotics
Neurogenic pain: gabapentin (neurontin)
Antipsychotics: haloperidol
MOA inhibitors: amitriptylline
what are the predisposing factors for repro disorders in pet birds
Environment
- long photoperiod
- perpetual spring
- perceived nest area
- cage
Food availability
- high fat food in abundance
- “land of plenty”
Behavior
- Pair-bond with human
what are the repro tract dz we can see in pet birds
- excessive egg laying
- egg binding & dystocia
- egg yolk peritonitis
- hypocalcemia
- pathologic fx
- oviductal & cloacal prolapse
- tumors: male & female birds
