Illustrated Articles
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Abnormal droppings are a non-specific sign of illness in birds. Causes may range from a dietary intake of excess fruits to bacterial or viral intestinal infections and heavy metal toxicity. Any changes in the color or consistency of your bird's droppings should be addressed by your avian veterinarian.
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Aspergillosis is a severe and sometimes life-threatening fungal infection that commonly causes respiratory disease in pet birds. Infected birds may show respiratory signs, including tail bobbing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Several diagnostic tests are available, but surgical laparoscopy is the most accurate. Aspergillosis is a very challenging disease to treat and even more difficult to cure. In many cases, referral to an avian specialist is advised.
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If they are well looked after, including proper diet and husbandry, bearded dragons are reasonably hardy animals. Common health conditions of pet bearded dragons include CANV, atadenovirus, metabolic bone disease, parasites, infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), and respiratory infections. Any change from normal is cause for concern and should be immediately evaluated by your veterinarian.
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Bearded dragons are susceptible to several health problems; understanding them will help you prevent them from occurring in your pet and know when to seek veterinary attention. Problems described in this handout include salmonellosis, avascular necrosis, tail rot, abscesses, and dystocia (egg binging).
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Rabbits and guinea pigs commonly present symptoms related to the urinary system. At home, the owner may notice urine collecting in the hair on the inside of the rear legs, a more pungent smell to the urine, the pet straining to urinate, or hematuria (bloody urine). After a proper physical exam and a thorough palpation of the urinary bladder, the veterinarian may identify bladder stones (a firm, oval hard mass in the bladder) or "bladder sludge" in rabbits (a bladder filled with a grainy, sand-like material). X-rays of the abdomen allow the veterinarian to identify the type of bladder disease and/or the number of stones.
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Bumblefoot is a term used to describe an infectious or inflammatory condition involving the bottom of the foot pad on one or both feet in birds. Causes include improper perching surfaces or traumatic injuries to one or both foot pads. The condition is painful and causes the bird to become lame on the affected foot/feet. Proper veterinary care is essential to resolving this severe condition.
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Candida is a type of yeast that may cause problems in the digestive tract of birds. In young birds, immunocompromised birds, or birds that have been on antibiotics for an extended period, candida may overgrow in the digestive tract and cause various problems, such as 'sour crop'.
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Cataract formation is a reasonably well-known occurrence in pet birds. Canaries are more prone to cataract formation than other species of birds. Cataracts may be inherited or be secondary to a traumatic injury or infection involving one or both eyes.
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Chameleons may be affected by a variety of medical conditions. A swollen abdomen needs attention by a veterinarian in case of possible egg retention. Swollen joints are most likely an indication of uric acid deposits, a condition called articular gout. Chameleons with poor perching ability and/or abnormal leg angles likely have metabolic bone disease. Swellings of the tissue around the eyes is common and needs proper treatment, possibly surgery, to correct.
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Chinchillas are generally hardy animals but can have several unique problems; understanding them will help you care for your pet and manage potential health problems.
