Here Tamara Labelle, from Exotic Direct Insurance, reveals the three most common illnesses that they see.
How many times do you think to yourself, ah, it won’t happen to me? Or more accurately, it won’t happen to my bird?
Unfortunately it can, and it does. But, what are the most common illnesses that we see our birds having to face.
Hypocalcemia: This condition occurs when a bird is suffering from a calcium deficiency. This can occur due to a range of problems that can include excessive egg laying, lack of calcium in the diet, lack of exposure to UVB lighting, metabolic problems, gland problems or Vitamin A deficiency.
Liver disease: This can have a range of causes, and the signs of the disease can be very similar to other conditions. Clinical signs of liver disease can include: A distended abdomen, poor feather quality, diarrhoea or green or yellow colouration of the urates. However, these clinical signs are in no way conclusive of liver disease, and could be a sign of anything. The only person who can diagnose the disease is your avian vet.
Respiratory problems: These are often caused by Airsacculitis. It means the airsacs are inflamed, and it’s a clinical sign that something is wrong. Common causes of Airsacculitis include: Aspergillosis (a fungal infection), irritation, allergy or a bacterial infection.
What is Aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is a respiratory disease that’s caused by the fungus Aspergillus. The fungus is common, and can thrive in warm, moist conditions. Its spores can become airborne and can be breathed in, usually with no consequence.
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