What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin transparent tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. In finches, conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by infection, irritation, or allergies. The most common infectious causes are bacteria like Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Chlamydia psittaci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Viral infections like Poxvirus avium are less common. Irritants like dust, dirt, smoke, and ammonia fumes can also irritate the conjunctiva. Allergies to things like pollen, bedding materials, or food ingredients can sometimes trigger conjunctivitis as well.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis in finches?
The most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis is swelling, redness, and discharge coming from one or both eyes. The conjunctiva will appear pink, red, or purple instead of the normal white or pale pink color. There may be watery, mucous-like, or pus-like discharge draining from the eyes as well. The discharge can cause the feathers around the eyes to become matted and dirty. Finches may keep their eyes closed or partially closed to protect their vision. They may rub or scratch at their eyes. In severe cases, the eyelids can become stuck together with discharge. Vision can become impaired. Eventually, untreated conjunctivitis can cause permanent damage like scarring on the surface of the eye.
How is conjunctivitis diagnosed in finches?
A veterinarian will start by asking questions about the finch’s history and symptoms. They will do a physical exam of the eyes to look for swelling, redness, and discharge. They may use an ophthalmoscope to look inside the eye for signs of inflammation. They may use fluorescein stain to highlight ulcers or other damage on the surface of the eye.
To identify the underlying cause, the vet may collect samples of the eye discharge to examine under a microscope and culture to identify bacteria or fungi. They may run lab tests on blood samples to look for infectious organisms like Chlamydia. In some cases, they may need to collect a small sample of tissue from the conjunctiva (conjunctival biopsy) to examine.
How is conjunctivitis treated in finches?
The main goals of treatment are controlling infection, reducing inflammation and discomfort, and preventing permanent damage to the eye.
Antibiotics
For bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed either in topical drops/ointments or systemic formulations (given orally or by injection). Common antibiotics used include:
- Chloramphenicol
- Gentamicin
- Tetracycline
- Enrofloxacin
It is important to follow dosage instructions carefully and finish the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms seem to resolve earlier.
Antifungals
For fungal infections, topical antifungal drops or ointments containing natamycin, voriconazole, or other antifungal drugs may be prescribed. Oral antifungal medications like itraconazole may also be used.
Anti-inflammatories
Steroid eye drops or ointments can reduce inflammation. Examples include prednisolone acetate, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone. These help provide relief from itching, swelling, and discharge. They may need to be used several times a day for up to 2 weeks.
Other Medications
– Anti-viral medications may be used for viral infections.
– Autologous serum eye drops made from the finch’s own serum can help promote healing.
– Lubricating eye drops or ointments can soothe irritation.
Keep the Eyes Clean
Gently clean away as much discharge as possible from around the eyes using a warm, wet cloth. This removes irritants and helps medication penetrate. Avoid reusing cloths between birds to prevent spread.
Isolation
House finches with conjunctivitis separately from other birds to prevent contagion. Discard old perches, toys, food and water containers and provide clean replacements. Change food and water daily. Wait until symptoms resolve completely before reintroducing the finch back into the flock.
Follow Up Care
Even if symptoms improve quickly, it is essential to finish the entire course of treatment as prescribed to fully eliminate the causative organisms. Recurrences are common if treatment is discontinued too soon. Return for follow up veterinary exams as recommended to ensure the conjunctivitis has resolved. Monitor for any signs of reoccurrence and return promptly if they appear.
How can conjunctivitis be prevented in finches?
Here are some tips for prevention:
- Buy finches from reputable sources and quarantine new arrivals for 30-45 days before introducing into your flock
- Minimize exposure to conjunctivitis risks like dusty, ammonia laden environments
- Avoid overcrowding and poor sanitation
- Disinfect cages, perches, feeders, toys etc between birds
- Use wire cage bottoms to allow feces to fall through
- Use feed formulated for finches to ensure adequate nutrition
- Give supplements like Vitamin A for eye health
- Avoid exposing birds to irritants like cigarette smoke
- Treat individual cases promptly to avoid flock outbreaks
- Isolate any birds showing symptoms right away
- Consult an avian veterinarian for advice on disease prevention
With attentive care and husbandry, conjunctivitis can often be avoided in captive finches. But if it does occur, prompt veterinary treatment and isolation measures are vital for protecting vision and overall finch health. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, finch owners can take action at the first signs of this common eye disease. A healthy flock starts with healthy eyes.
Quiz
What causes conjunctivitis in finches?
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Viral infections
- Irritants like dust or ammonia
- All of the above
Answer: E. All of the above. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and irritants.
What medications may be used to treat conjunctivitis in finches?
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Anti-inflammatories
- Antivirals
- All of the above
Answer: E. All of the above. Depending on the cause, antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, and antivirals may be used.
How can finch owners help prevent conjunctivitis outbreaks?
- Quarantine new arrivals
- Keep cages clean
- Avoid overcrowding
- Remove irritants like dust and ammonia
- All of the above
Answer: E. All of the above. Quarantine, cleanliness, reducing overcrowding, and eliminating irritants are key prevention steps.
Conclusion
Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition in finches that requires prompt veterinary care. It can be caused by infections, allergies or irritants. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and eye discharge. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories and other medications. Isolation, keeping the eyes clean, and follow up care are also important. With appropriate treatment and preventative husbandry practices, finch owners can effectively manage conjunctivitis and keep their flocks healthy and thriving.