Veterinarians play a critical role in diagnosing and treating illnesses in pet birds. Birds are unique creatures that require specialized care and an experienced avian veterinarian. Diagnosing a sick bird takes time, expertise, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This article will provide an overview of the diagnostic process used by avian vets.
Initial Examination
The first step a vet will take when presented with an ill bird is a thorough physical examination. This allows the vet to look for any visible signs of illness or injury. The vet will observe the bird’s overall appearance, activity level, posture, feathers, skin, beak, eyes, nares, and vent. Abnormal findings during the physical exam often provide clues as to what may be wrong with the bird.
As part of the exam, the vet will also take the bird’s weight and temperature. Changes in weight can indicate chronic issues. An elevated temperature may point to infection or inflammation. The physical examination also includes palpating the abdomen and chest to feel for any masses, fluid, or organ enlargement.
In addition to evaluating the bird, the vet will want a thorough history from the owner. Information about the bird’s diet, environment, behavior changes, and duration of symptoms can help the vet narrow down differential diagnoses.
Diagnostic Testing
After the initial work-up, the vet will likely recommend further diagnostic testing to pinpoint the cause of illness. Tests commonly used for bird diagnosis include:
- Blood work
- Fecal analysis
- Radiographs (x-rays)
- Endoscopy
- Ultrasound
- Biopsies
- Viral screening
- Bacterial culture
- Toxicology
Blood Work
Blood tests are useful for assessing a bird’s overall health status. A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates the numbers and types of cells in the blood. Changes in white blood cell counts can indicate infection or inflammation. The packed cell volume (PCV) measures the percentage of red blood cells. A low PCV points to anemia.
The biochemistry panel assesses organ function by measuring enzymes, electrolytes, and metabolites. Elevated uric acid or kidney values may signify kidney problems. Increased liver enzymes can indicate hepatopathy. Changes in blood calcium, glucose, and protein can also provide diagnostic clues.
Fecal Analysis
Microscopic evaluation of a bird’s droppings can detect parasites like giardia, worms, or yeast. Fecal staining can pinpoint abnormal Gram-negative bacteria. Culture and sensitivity of feces identifies pathogenic bacterial overgrowth. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests check feces for DNA evidence of specific pathogens.
Imaging
Radiographs, ultrasound, and endoscopy allow vets to visualize a bird’s internal anatomy. Radiographs use x-ray technology to identify fractures, masses, fluid accumulation, and soft tissue changes. Contrast studies can highlight the digestive tract. Ultrasound uses soundwaves to create images of organs and masses. Endoscopy involves inserting a small camera into the body to directly examine sites like the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and air sacs.
Biopsies
Collecting tissue samples for microscopic analysis can confirm cancer or identify inflammatory and infectious diseases. Biopsies are taken from masses, organs, skin lesions, and bone. Samples are examined by a pathologist and often cultured to isolate infectious organisms.
Viral Screening
Viral infections are common in birds. Tests like PCR, immunochromatography, and serology can detect viral antigens or antibodies. Viruses such as polyomavirus, circovirus, and psittacine herpesvirus are significant bird pathogens.
Bacterial Culture
Bacterial culture of sites like the choana (slit behind the beak) and cloaca can identify pathogenic organisms. Cultures help determine antibiotic sensitivity for targeted treatment. PCR tests also detect bacterial DNA from sites like the respiratory tract, blood, and joints.
Toxicology
Heavy metal poisoning and toxic ingestions can make birds very ill. Testing blood, feces, and tissues for lead, zinc, arsenic, and other toxins helps diagnose toxicosis. Tests for pesticides, rodenticides, and mycotoxins may also be warranted.
Common Bird Diseases Diagnosed
Here are some examples of conditions commonly diagnosed through the veterinary work-up:
Respiratory Disease
Labored breathing, nasal discharge, and wheezing may signal respiratory infection. Diagnostics like radiographs, endoscopy, and tracheal wash cytology can detect pneumonia, air sacculitis, and sinus issues. Bacterial culture of the choana identifies pathogenic organisms.
Gastrointestinal Disease
Regurgitation, diarrhea, and weight loss often result from GI disease. Radiographs or ultrasound find masses, foreign bodies, and organ changes. Endoscopy visually examines the GI tract. Biopsies confirm inflammation or cancer. Fecal tests detect parasites, bacteria, and yeast.
Liver Disease
Elevated liver enzymes, low uric acid, and lesions point to liver issues. Biopsy, cytology, and culture identify hepatic infections and inflammation. Radiographs and ultrasound evaluate liver size and texture. Toxicology screens diagnose toxin-induced disease.
Kidney Disease
Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid indicate impaired kidney function. Radiographs may show mineral densities or abnormal kidneys. Urinalysis detects waste products, crystals, and blood. Biopsy confirms glomerulonephritis or amyloidosis.
Neurologic Disease
Ataxia, seizures, and paralysis can result from central nervous system issues. Radiographs identify fractures or masses. Blood work may show lead toxicity. Biopsies diagnose inflammatory conditions or cancer. Bacterial culture identifies infectious organisms.
Musculoskeletal Disease
Favoring a leg or wing suggests trauma or fracture. Radiographs confirm and localize breaks. Joint swelling points to arthritis or infection. Biopsies diagnose bone lesions. Bacterial culture of joints identifies pathogens.
Neoplastic Disease
Masses in organs or tissues may be cancerous. Radiographs, ultrasound, and endoscopy detect tumors. Biopsies characterize cells as benign or malignant. CBC identifies leukemias. Specific antibody tests diagnose certain cancers.
Reproductive Disease
Egg binding, infertility, and hatching issues occur with reproductive problems. Radiographs evaluate eggs and reproductive tract anatomy. Blood work identifies infections and hormone imbalances. Biopsies diagnose ovarian and oviduct pathology.
Feather Destruction
Plucking feathers can result from behavior, parasites, infection, and dermatitis. Skin scrapings and biopsies identify parasites and lesions. Fungal culture diagnoses dermatophytosis. Behavior modification helps problematic picking.
Conclusion
Diagnosing ill birds is a complex process requiring avian expertise and an array of tests. The veterinary examination starts by identifying clinical signs and gathering a thorough history. Diagnostic tools like blood work, imaging, endoscopy, biopsy, culture, and toxicology combine to determine the underlying cause with accuracy. An accurate diagnosis allows vets to provide specific, effective treatment to return birds to health.