Because of the warm weather, Florida is one of the most popular states in America for owning birds. Unfortunately, birds can die from sickness much faster than other pets. Before you consider bringing home a feathered friend, Advanced Mobile Vet of Lake Mary, Fl describes some common illnesses in birds.
Parrot Fever
Also known as psittacosis, this is a highly contagious bacterial disease for birds and people. Symptoms include breathing problems, eye infection, loose droppings, lack of appetite, and being more tired than usual. Call your vet right away for an avian exam should your birds show these symptoms. Although called parrot fever, it can appear in smaller birds like parakeets or doves.
Parrot Wasting Syndrome
This is also called proventricular dilation disease or PDD. Symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, abnormal droppings, and a swollen crop. Unfortunately, there is no cure. The bird needs to be on painkillers for the rest of its life.
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
This is an incurable disease commonly called “bird AIDS.” Symptoms include abnormal feather growth, bald spots, and growths or sores on the beak. This is most commonly seen in young birds under two years old.
Polyomavirus
This viral disease is usually fatal in baby birds, so the bird must see a vet immediately. Symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, enlarged abdomen, and paralysis. It is highly contagious and rarely treatable.
Candida
This is a fungal infection that often comes about due to a previous illness. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, a crop that is very slow to empty, lack of energy, and white sores in and around the beak.
Getting Regular Exams
Many kinds of bird illnesses can be prevented with a proper diet and housing conditions. Getting a regular pet exam for birds helps keep your bird at peak wellness, making its body strong enough to fight off illness.
Your Bird Veterinarian in Lake Mary, FL
If you own a bird and live in the Lake Mary, FL area, contact Advanced Mobile Vet at (407) 404-4714 to make an appointment today. We are the vets that come to you and your pets.