Birds

At CAWC, one of our passions is avian medicine! We are experienced in treating all bird species commonly kept as pets and are dedicated in helping your bird not only stay healthy, but thrive as an important part of your family. Birds can make excellent companions and are a fun addition to your family.  However, they do take some work and not all bird species are right for everyone.  The beauty of some of these bird species draws us to certain birds, but any prospective bird owner must understand the behavior and the needs of each species, before they take on the commitment of taking care of a pet bird.  

Dr. Bausone, our bird veterinarian, is committed to helping you achieve your pet birds optimal health.  Birds are well known to hide signs of illness. Some common signs to look for in your pet that may indicate your bird is sick include:

• Fluffed appearance

• Increased sleepiness during the day

• Decreased Appetite 

• Differences in Behavior and/or vocalizations

• Changes in frequency, smell or quantity of droppings

• Tail Bobbing

• Redness, swelling, crusty eyes

• Poor feather quality or damaged feathers

• Stained feathers over nostrils, beak or vent

• Limping or not using feet      

Because birds are good at hiding illness, if they are experiencing a problem they are often sicker than our dog and cat patients when they initially come into the hospital.  Even a healthy looking bird coming in for an annual wellness check will sometimes be sub-clinically sick.  For these reasons we often advise annual blood work, and fecal tests to gain a better picture of your pets overall health.  Cultures and x-rays are sometimes recommended for both well and sick birds depending on the situation. 

Signs of serious illness are more obvious and can include:

• Blood Loss

• Acute injury like a broken wing or leg

• Labored breathing

• Abnormal respiratory sounds

• Vomiting or regurgitation

• Seizures or other neurologic abnormalities

• Inability to perch

• Enlargement or swelling on the body

If your bird is exhibiting any of these signs, it is recommended that we see you and your pet immediately.

There are some diseases that we all should be aware of which can spread from reptiles to humans. For a brief list of these disease please follow this link:  

ZOONOTIC DISEASES OF BIRDS, REPTILES AND FISH

For more information on your particular type of pet bird, please click below: