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Birds are highly intelligent animals and toys are an important part of their mental health, as well as their mental and physical agility. Toys encourage exercise and provide good wear for the beak and nails. Certain toys are ideal while others can be dangerous to your bird.
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Most birds tolerate cars and airplanes very well, and some love the excitement of travel; however, some birds may be stressed by travel. It is not safe for your bird to roam freely in the car while you are driving. Airlines vary in their regulations for travel with birds. Tranquilizers or sedatives should not be used during travel due to risk of reaction. Before making any travel plans, contact the consulate or border authorities of the country you are planning to enter to determine the documentation and medical testing your bird needs to travel. Contact the USDA-APHIS office for more information about international travel.
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Tumors (also called cancer or neoplasms) are firm tissue growths or swellings that may occur anywhere on a bird’s body, and grow out of control. Veterinary examination of any growth or lump is highly advised as tumors may grow rapidly or spread.
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Lipomas are fatty tumors that affect a variety of pet birds. These are typically benign, fatty growths found under the skin. If caught early, most lipomas respond to nutritional therapy, but they may require surgery.
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Xanthomas are discrete masses or diffuse, thickened areas of skin that are yellow-orange and dimpled in appearance. They are accumulations of fat and cholesterol and are most commonly found in cockatiels and parakeets (budgies), and especially in female birds.
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The uropygial gland (preen/preening gland or oil gland) is a normal part of most bird's anatomy. The gland produces preen oil that helps coat a bird's feathers. Vitamin A deficiency, infections, and tumors may affect the uropygial gland.
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Ursodiol is given by mouth and is used off label to treat gallbladder and biliary liver diseases in dogs, cats, horses, and birds. Give as directed by your veterinarian.
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New birds should be examined by an avian veterinarian within the first couple of days after purchase or adoption. Pet birds should receive routine annual veterinary examinations. A physical examination allows a veterinarian to notice subtle signs of disease before they are obvious. Your veterinarian will discuss the need for testing with you depending on the findings of the physical examination. Tests, including blood tests and fecal analysis, are performed routinely to monitor the current state of health of the bird. The specific tests your veterinarian suggests will depend on your bird's age, size, species, and health status.
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The physical examination is a crucial part of assessing the health of a new pet bird. Your first visit with an avian veterinarian should also include a thorough discussion of proper nutrition, housing, care, grooming, and training/socialization. Additional tests may be recommended during the exam.
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Homeopathy is a distinct philosophy of medicine that has its roots in eighteenth-century Germany, and subsequently spread to Europe, India, Australia, South America, the United States, and Canada. The underlying basis of homeopathy is the principle that "like cures like": the idea that a substance given at a toxic dose can produce a certain set of symptoms, but given in much lower doses, it can cure the same set of symptoms, regardless of their perceived cause. As veterinary homeopathy gains acceptance, there are an increasing number of veterinarians in private practice who possess the necessary training and experience.
