Parakeets that develop a thick scaley build-up on the beak and legs may be infected with a mite such as Knemidokoptes. This parasite can cause permanent deformities to the beak if left untreated. Treatment usually involves an antiparasitic drug such as ivermectin. If your parakeet has an unusual appearance to its beak or feet, a veterinary examination is needed to determine the underlying cause.
Lorikeets, also known as lories, are able to extract almost all of the iron present in their food which leads to iron storage disease (hemochromatosis). Life-threatening levels of iron build-up in the cells of liver and other organs, which leads to profound liver damage and organ failure. Affected lories have difficulty breathing, a fluid-filled swollen belly, depression, paralysis, or may suddenly die. Treatment of hemochromatosis includes phlebotomy
To ensure the health of your bird and the safety of your household, Arizona Exotic Animal Hospitals and Colorado Exotic Animal Hospital recommends the following Wellness Program:
Birds can injure themselves quite easily in the typical household. It is important to "bird proof" your home so that you lessen the chance of serious accidents.
Birds have a very complicated sinus system (a part of the respiratory tract) with lots of interconnecting air pockets that can readily get infected. Infections can start in one site and move through the sinus system to attack most areas of the skull. A severe infection means that many affected birds will die without treatment.
Scaley skin is a common problem in captive birds. On the feet the skin may appear as a white powdery to flakey substance, or develop a thick build-up of dry yellow material. On the body beneath the feathers you may see a spiderweb of dry skin, sometimes with patches of yellow or tan crusts. Scaley skin can be caused by a variety of problems. An imbalanced, particularly one that is low in vitamin A or ones that have an imbalance of
When a bird is very ill, it is often recommended that a “hospital cage” be created at home to provide an optimal environment for recovery. It is best to have a designated cage for this before an illness occurs in order to be well prepared. Your veterinarian will make specific recommendations for you based on your individual birds problem but the following information is often adequate for most basic at home hospital cages.
Endoscopes are small "telescopes" that are used to have a look at the internal organs of an animal. Just as a veterinarian does a thorough physical examination of the outside of the body, the endoscope allows a veterinarian to do the same sort of examination of the bird's internal organs to assess their health. This is extremely helpful to determine an underlying cause for many illnesses that elude detection through bloodwork and other routine diagnostic labwork.
If your bird is not acting right or appears injured and you are unsure of the severity of the condition, it is always best to contact us immediately. We are able to accommodate emergencies during regular business hours as well as after hours.
Since other emergency hospitals are not exclusive exotic pet practices and possibly do not treat these types of pets, the doctors and staff may or may not be capable of providing emergency care for your pet so please call ahead.
Proper diet is imperative for keeping a sugar glider healthy and happy. Nutritional problems are the most common problems seen by veterinarians and include obesity, malnutrition, low bone density, dental disease, heart disease, nervous system disorders, muscle disorders, and cataracts.
