Signs of Illness in Birds

1. Introduction

Bird owners have a duty to observe their birds regularly to understand "normal behavior" and appearance. When a pet bird becomes unwell, its circumstances can deteriorate very rapidly. The motivation to overcome a priority illness would be advanced by the capacity to identify signs of sickness early. Most birds strive to disguise their infirmities to appear healthy to avoid showcasing vulnerability to predators. Birds also mask symptoms of illness in order to survive. Bird species have biological traits, such as the masked traits of sickness, that allow them to adapt in their surroundings. There is some evidence that pilots demonstrate proper feeding techniques to their mates, as well as the consistency of their plumage, which demonstrates power, authority, and dominance.

Seeds used by birds and pets have a cover and a seed caress in their mouths and twist and hold their seeds side to side. Also significant are the common symptoms indicative that carnivorous birds (parrots, kestrels, raptors) are consuming. Chronic birds often consume leading to feather picking (pick cavities). In contrast to the caged bird, free birds create natural conditions and are entirely unique. Describing normal states is important to recognize when to check more thoroughly and/or to take action as a healthy animal.

1.1. Importance of Recognizing Signs of Illness

Being able to recognize signs of illness in birds is one of the most critical areas in which bird owners must be careful and observant. Birds still function instinctually and may not exhibit signs of illness until it is too late. Many illnesses can be hidden until the damage is permanent. Whether owning an individual pet bird or keeping and breeding a collection of birds, it is important for owners to be able to identify signs of illness so that they can seek help or advice early in the course of a disease. They also need to recognize when it is an emergency situation.

Pet bird owners, pet store employees, and veterinarians who do not normally see or work with birds need to be able to recognize these subtle changes in body condition, behavior, discharges, etc., that could be signs of illness or a compromised immune system. Zookeepers and veterinarians must be particularly skilled to recognize small changes in current condition, as wild birds often will not show illness until it is too late, as animals that look or act as though they are ill or weak in the wild become susceptible to predators. Wild bird rehabilitations, who see a variety of wild injured or ill young and adults of all species, are more able to evaluate than most people, as they can compare the patient's behavior to that of other adults or nestlings of similar species, or to known normal behavior in an individual species.

2. Physical Signs of Illness

There are several indications and warning signs that a pet bird could show in the event of illness. Some signs of illness include changes in appearance, eating and defecation patterns, vocalizations, behavior, and other signs. This is part one of a series. Here, Part 1, we will cover the physical signs that an owner might notice in a pet bird with a problem. In future issues, Parts 2 and 3 will examine Mental and Behavioral Signs of Illness and Cage Aspects and Droppings in the Sick Bird, respectively.

Pet or companion birds, varying from a finch to a macaw, may display outward signs of illness. These can typically be divided into physical signs, mental or behavioral signs, and changes in the droppings. During a comprehensive avian physical examination, the veterinarian will search for physical signs that can assist in diagnosing the probable source of disease. Each of these signs will now be addressed in a different issue of Pet Bird Report, enabling in-depth attention to every one of them through this sequence of articles. A warning: while these physical signs are valuable in diagnosing disease, the same symptoms are likely brought about by several different etiologies; they frequently overlap with one another and with mental/behavioral signs as well. A definitive diagnosis is usually not possible by paying attention to a single physical sign and should only be considered when viewed within the totality of the physical and historical evidence, the clinical lab data, and if available, the findings from possibly imaging studies.

2.1. Changes in Feather Condition

Because illness is such a severe problem for birds and because birds are so skilled at hiding their pain and sickness from us, it’s only fair to try and share the weaponry that will help even the most inexperienced bird watcher recognize signs of illness. Although the list is long, it is for good reason. Each point is essential to understanding a bird’s health. Thus, the top of the list must begin with the least discussed and most important: feather cleaning. Feathers are the barometer of your pet’s health. In ospreys, marine biologists determine the existence of a sea otter colony in any given area by measuring the levels of oil in the sea otter’s fish, as well as the tiny spots of feathers. If one animal holds all the keys needed to evaluate an ailing colony, that animal is your bird.

- Fluffed up feathers

2.2. Abnormal Droppings

In the bird room, abnormal droppings often catch the eye.

What to look for:
Abnormal droppings that may indicate digestive or metabolic problems can take many forms. Anything unusual should be investigated further. For example:
1. The presence of white urine, indicating kidney disease.
2. A greenish or yellow mucous quality to droppings suggesting a bacterial or yeast problem.
3. Anything that smells stronger than usual.
Because the components of droppings are expelled by different parts of the digestive system, off-smelly droppings of this type might also give clues as to what part of the body is not working properly. Sometimes foreign substances can show up in droppings, i.e., tracking powder has been found in droppings as well as seeds that cannot be digested.
The kidneys eliminate metabolic waste by dumping it in the urine. If a bird does not urinate, ammonia, the waste product of protein metabolism, can build up and cause renal failure. In most birds, uric acid is excreted from the kidneys and expelled from the cloaca in a liquid form. A white substance (urates) indicates anything from the lack of solid food to kidney damage (the tougher the urine, the dryer the white, but kidney trouble is taking effect). Birds can produce a red or orange urine (a sign of blood in the bladder or other problems) or heavy crystal pointed urates.

2.3. Breathing Difficulties

Urination:

Breathing difficulties in birds: watching and assessing a bird's behavior at different times of the day gives an indication of its health. Birds with a dull, horizontal stance and an open beak may be overheating and may require water for evaporative cooling. Another potential sign of incipient heat catastrophe is tucking their heads under their wings. Open-mouthed breathing can be seen in dehydrated birds that have trouble maintaining respiration. Seizures, eye signs, shocky morbidity, or skin lesions that have led to information about the current state of health have been suspected in birds with open mouth breathing. Watch for labored respiration as well; this can be exhibited by tail bobbing, labored flaring of the nares, or extension of the neck at inhale. Such signs can indicate severe decompensating systems or possibly other diseases.

Birds are excellent at altering their respiration rate and the degree of control exerted in respiration through their syrinx. Therefore, any deviation from this needs definitive investigation. Any unusual noise may also be heard from a distance; go and stand near the aviary and listen. Even if you cannot discern which bird is making the noise, the owner's concerns may be allayed if you can ascertain that the aviary is generally noisy and that generally, not all birds are affected. Also, a quiet aviary and no noise when the owner usually hears it may be important. Adults usually tend to be noisier than immatures, and breeding females the least. Birds reluctantly reveal clinical signs and seldom, if ever, overtly indicate stress. It is a recognized veterinary rule that when a bird reveals, even if subtly, its discomfort or inability, it should be a reason for concern.

3. Behavioral Signs of Illness

Behavior adds a lot to effective diagnosis of avian illnesses. Birds have a greatly programmed capability for masking physical illnesses, hormonal problems, and excessive stress until they are very ill. For this reason, vent picking, preening, and even feeding are rarely altered until emergencies are present and most pet birds appear completely "normal" when routine blood work may be very sick. However, "acting normal" is not the same thing as "being healthy." Some kind of changes in emotional/fear "instant" memory are necessary for an animal to have an acceptable quality of life for the relatively long durations which pet or research birds might be kept. All of these factors highlight the advantage of gathering a substantial quantity of information covering many issues dealing with the everyday behavior of birds, rather than simply over-emphasizing aviculture and using foot pecking as the best preferred estimate of physical behavior.

Behavioral signs of illness in birds encompass everything from increased, maybe excessively vocal behavior, to spending significantly more time aimlessly on the cage floor, to a ruffled appearing plumage. The frustrated environmental demands of such animals can often mimic the signs of illness, including featherpicking and self-mutilation, which increases the need for consultation from other veterinarians. Basing 30 years of therapy practice almost entirely on behavior, pet bird medicine, and avian pain management are seen from a much more holistic framework, often with great success and at a much reduced cost.

3.1. Changes in Activity Level

When determining if your bird is ill and needs veterinary attention, the most consistent and often the first "symptom" is a change in the bird's activity compared to its usual pattern of behavior. Birds with chronic problems may not be quite as active as they used to be. Owners should note changes in the following: (1) duration of activity (i.e., either resting more or being restless); (2) activity level; (3) frequency of activity; and (4) initiating an activity. Birds can also become feeble and reluctant to move around in their environment.

It is important to remember the reasons why a bird may suddenly change its activity level. Most of the time, birds pace their activities based on the amount of exposure to light that they have available in a 24-hour period (their circadian rhythm). Birds are more active in the light and sleep more in the dark, but this depends on the species you may have. Larger birds may sleep for a solid 12 hours with short naps totaling 12 hours. Many varieties become more active as evening approaches and bedtime hours occur. In addition, a bird may be lethargic simply due to old age and arthritis. If you notice any of these changes in your bird, it is time to consult your veterinarian's opinion on whether or not a physical exam is warranted. In addition, more advanced diagnostic testing may also be recommended if your veterinarian deems it necessary.

3.2. Aggression or Fearfulness

Should a bird strike at its owners or handlers or exhibit unwary behavior, two considerations should enter the observer’s mind. First, aggression or fearfulness can be the first signs of illness, depression, and/or pain. Second, a bird that cannot be managed can be impossible to treat. A chronically ill bird can become aggressive as he tries to control his circumstances, often by attempting to control the humans around him. This section’s examinations are a bit more removed from physical signs of illness, instead focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects. In relating an animal’s mental state or assessing its capacity for suffering, we relegate that type of information.

Birds are also prey species with highly developed senses. Their hearing and sight are much more refined than our own, and many birds possess the ability to detect the use of ultrasound. Studies have shown that birds can hear their own hearts beating. Birds have a unique advantage in being able to perceive a greater range of magnetic fields than any other animals and possibly objects due to light polarization. These advantages could also contribute to a bird’s heightened sense of fear and would be more easily excitable than their mammalian counterparts. This may be a breeding ground for a great deal of fear-induced illnesses and physical symptoms. Conversely, birds that are ill can become fearful. They remain unpredictable, bite more readily, flap and squawk uncontrollably, and hide more often. The lead-up or 'fever pitch' in flight may sometimes be accompanied by a blood-curdling scream.

4. Common Avian Diseases

Avian Medicine and Surgery gives a bird's eye view of common avian diseases in birds. They refer to specific diseases in birds. Quoting freely from the work of Larry Nemetz, I present common avian diseases in less technical prose than Nemetz uses. This way you can get the big picture of what many veterinarians are looking for in pet birds.

Aspergillosis is a fungal disease that invades the bird's internal organs, especially the air sacs. Common in birds with breathing problems. Pacheco's disease is a herpes virus infection of parrots that is spread bird to bird and fatal. Choose new pet birds carefully! Also a disease in horses, West Nile Virus, is spread by mosquitoes to horses, humans, and birds. All parrots and hawk-like birds seem to be susceptible to getting sick from this virus. Malaria is a blood parasite that spreads from bird to bird through mosquitoes in the humid southern states. Waterfowl are usually the carriers. The best medication to control or cure malaria is preventatives.

Chlamydiosis (formerly known as psittacosis in parrots) is a disease also spread bird to bird. This organism is present in the oral and nasal secretions. Pet birds often harbor the disease without showing signs but can shed the organism when stressed while other birds become seriously ill when they contract the disease. This can make it difficult for the veterinarian to diagnose and control. Pigeons are the natural hosts for the disease and are carriers of it worldwide. Lacking signs of this disease can make diagnosis difficult but with the combination of culture and blood tests, many veterinarians do a good job in diagnosing and treating this problem. Be cautious - it can occasionally be spread to humans.

4.1. Avian Influenza

Avian influenza (AI) is one of several diseases that affect birds and have zoonotic potential. I join the ranks of our CVOs and our colleagues in ID (infectious disease) and communicable disease who are excited to be talking about disease. The causative organisms are influenza viruses, of which there are two types: A and B. Avian influenza is caused by type A. 'Serotypes' are differentiated within the type A category based on the proteins on their surface. To date, at least 15 different HA and 9 different NA subtypes of AIV have been isolated. All subtypes of AIV come under the protection of the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) Terrestrial Animal Health Code as a List B disease (diseases with zoonotic potential), and certain strains are List A diseases (those with the potential to cause serious socio-economic or public health implications).

Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds. Wild birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and land birds, which are natural reservoirs of influenza A virus in the world, are considered the source of avian influenza viruses in the domestic bird population. Influenza A viruses can cause outbreaks of clinical disease in the domestic avian population. The disease has the potential to cause large numbers of mortalities in certain kinds of birds. Birds are one of the top 10 agricultural commodities by number globally and worth more than $65 billion worldwide. In addition to the economic consequences of bird deaths on large-scale production facilities, 14 outbreaks of avian influenza in the EU per year have implications on trade as the affected countries cannot export birds, hatching eggs, fresh meat, or live-breeding birds.

4.2. Psittacosis

Psittacosis. Although this disease is mainly associated with birds (parrots, parakeets, budgerigars, etc.), humans can also be infected if they come in contact with infected birds or their droppings. Birds usually won't be showing signs of this disease but may get sick when stressed. The symptoms in birds range from ruffled feathers, a lack of appetite, a thick discharge around the eyes and lethargy; occasional diarrhea, a protruded tongue, head bobbing and powerful, intermittent shaking can be present. Those infected will require veterinary attention. I can't stress enough that birds are experts in hiding their illnesses. Any behavior that is out of the ordinary for your pet bird must be checked out.

Prevention: Always wash your hands with soap and water after coming into contact with your bird or his droppings. Cover the cage to prevent contaminating your surroundings. This disease is transmitted via air, so it is important to prevent direct contact. However, if someone vulnerable like a pregnant woman, the very young or the very old, or someone with a weakened immune system, is exposed to a bird infected with this disease, they might ask to discuss the situation with their physician.

5. Preventive Measures

Some common steps that you can take to keep your bird healthy include the following:

- Keep the environment clean and dust-free. Use a good absorbent bedding and change it regularly.

- Birds should be able to bathe daily.
- Supply your bird with a good-quality diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables and a food high in protein are recommended. The diet should be as fresh as possible and birds should have access to it at all times.
- A covered water source should also be available to the birds.
- Provide your bird with a clean environment. Draft-free housing is essential. Birds are sensitive to temperature and should have some exposure to natural light to help regulate their body cycles.
- A veterinarian experienced with birds should check the health of newly acquired birds.
- Lastly, always quarantine any new bird brought into your flock before introducing it to your established birds.

5.1. Regular Veterinary Check-ups

The majority of disease problems can be avoided by implementing good planning techniques in bird management and handling. Many diseases can be prevented or minimized with proper hygiene and nutrition. Since signs of disease can occur in the early stages, regular examinations are essential. Young, aging, and breeding birds should be monitored. Observant, faithful, manageable behavior is the key to identifying early signs of disease. Rapid treatment after detecting signs of illness enhances the physical, emotional, and financial benefits of owning an avian pet. Preventive measures should be taken. Any behavioral changes should be reported to the veterinarian right away. Factors like stress, nutrition, breeding, and behavioral management should all be taken into account. If an individual bird becomes ill, the housing and food of all birds should be monitored.

It is important to have your bird examined at least once a year by a veterinarian. Here are a number of good reasons why regular veterinary check-ups are essential: Birds mask their weaknesses naturally as part of their survival strategy and therefore often show only very late when they are already quite sick. Regular examinations by a veterinarian (preferably one with experience in bird illnesses) are a good way to get a picture of your bird’s overall health. Small changes can be detected very early and possibly treated before they mutate into a serious problem.

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your pet does not develop preventable illnesses. Most diseases can be minimized or even avoided by suitable preventive measures. In addition to regular check-ups on the part of your veterinarian, these can also consist of specific measures in the stable or at home such as adapting the environment, feed or cage design to the needs of the bird and its state of health, for example. Paying attention to small physical changes on a regular basis even in between examinations and feeding behavior can make a significant contribution to recognizing diseases early. Depending on the age or chronic illnesses of the bird, the frequency of veterinary examinations may need to be adjusted according to individual needs.

5.2. Proper Nutrition

The importance of proper nutrition in preventing disease and stress in birds cannot be stressed enough. Almost 50 percent of all diseases and deaths can be directly attributed to poor nutrition, while stress lowers levels of immunity and can make the bird more susceptible to diseases. Birds that are undernourished, or even just marginally malnourished, are more vulnerable to disease agents and less likely to recover from a disease once infected. Their immune systems are weakened and unable to resist infections, and if their bodies do manage to produce antibodies when they are infected, adequate nutrition is needed to ensure the infection is combated successfully without the disease worsening.

The immune system is responsible for telling the difference between infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and organisms and the body's healthy tissues. If the nutrients, hormone levels, and temperature in the bird are inadequate, the body cannot distinguish healthy tissue from foreign and infectious agents. Infections may be mild and localized rather than severe and widespread, and infections that occur are less likely to become self-perpetuating. Often when infection does occur, it can be cleared using fewer resources and with the use of less medication. Over 90 percent of disease conditions in birds are caused by either nutritional disorders or stress. Treatment by drugs without addressing either nutrition or stress does nothing to remove the primary cause of most diseases.

References:

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