Respiratory problems are common in pet birds, and can range from mild to severe. As a bird owner, it is important to monitor your bird’s breathing and be aware of any signs of respiratory distress. Catching problems early allows for prompt veterinary treatment and a better prognosis.
What are some general signs of respiratory problems in birds?
Some general signs that a bird may be having respiratory issues include:
- Open mouth breathing or tail bobbing – This can indicate increased effort to breathe
- Stretching the neck out to facilitate breathing
- Noisy breathing such as clicking, wheezing, sneezing
- Discharge from the nose, eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy, fluffed up feathers, lack of vocalizations
- Cyanosis – A blue tinge to the skin and mucous membranes
What are some specific respiratory conditions in birds?
Some specific conditions that can affect a bird’s respiratory system include:
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Spores from this fungus are commonly found in the environment. In healthy birds, these spores are removed through preening, sneezing, mucous flow. However in stressed or immunocompromised birds, the spores can overwhelm defenses and establish an infection.
Aspergillosis most often affects the air sacs but can spread to the lungs, sinuses, trachea, skin, eyes, brain and other organs. It can cause difficulty breathing, sneezing, nasal discharge, poor appetite. In chronic cases, birds may exhibit weight loss, seizures, paralysis.
Bacterial pneumonia
Bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Mycoplasma can infect a bird’s respiratory tract and lungs leading to pneumonia. Poor ventilation, stress, concurrent illness predispose birds to bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms include sneezing, discharge, difficult breathing, lethargy.
Chlamydiosis
Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterium that causes chlamydiosis or parrot fever in birds. Infection often spreads via inhalation of aerosolized particles from secretions. Infected birds shed the organism intermittently in feces and nasal discharges. Chlamydiosis can range from mild illness to acute systemic infection. Symptoms include ocular/nasal discharge, sinusitis, breathing difficulties.
Avian influenza
Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that can infect the respiratory tract of birds. Wild aquatic birds can carry avian influenza viruses without appearing sick. Domestic poultry are more susceptible. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, swelling around the eyes.
Air sac mites
Air sac mites (Cytodites spp.) are microscopic parasites that live in a bird’s air sacs and lungs. Heavy infections can obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult. Clinical signs include gaping, tail bobbing, wheezing, exercise intolerance.
What diagnostic tests detect respiratory problems in birds?
Some common diagnostic tests used to evaluate respiratory problems in birds include:
- Radiographs (x-rays) – Assess for air sacs inflammation or masses
- Tracheal wash – Microscopic examination and culture of tracheal fluid
- Endoscopy – Direct visualization of the trachea and air sacs
- Bronchoscopy – Visualization of the lower airways
- Complete blood count (CBC) – Elevated or decreased white blood cells may indicate infection or inflammation
- Serology – Testing blood for antibodies to certain pathogens
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – Detects DNA of pathogens
- Biopsy – Microscopic examination of affected tissues
How are respiratory conditions treated in birds?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Antifungals for aspergillosis
- Flushing the nasal passages
- Nebulization – Delivering moisture and medication via inhalation
- Oxygen therapy
- Air sac cannula – Allows drainage of air sac exudate
- Supportive care such as fluids, nutritional support
- Treating predisposing factors such as stress
- For viral infections, mainly supportive care and preventing spread
- For mites, antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin
Birds with respiratory infections should be isolated from other birds to prevent disease transmission. Proper sanitation and disinfection of cages, food/water containers is also necessary.
How can respiratory problems be prevented in birds?
Some measures to help prevent respiratory disease in birds include:
- Avoid overcrowding and poor sanitation
- Quarantine new birds before adding to flock
- Minimize stress
- Ensure good ventilation without drafts
- Perform routine health exams
- Promote exercise and healthy diet
- Vaccinate for preventable diseases like avian influenza
- Limit contact with wild birds
- Use air filters, hygienic practices
- Avoid aerosolizing dust, feathers
- Manage conditions like vitamin A deficiency that compromise immunity
What is the prognosis for birds with respiratory infections?
The prognosis depends on:
- Cause of the respiratory disease
- Severity of symptoms
- Overall health status of the bird
- Timeliness of veterinary care
- Response to treatment
In mild cases, birds may fully recover with appropriate management at home. More severe infections requiring hospitalization generally have a guarded prognosis. Chronic cases of aspergillosis, for example, are difficult to treat. Certain illnesses like avian influenza can have high mortality rates.
In general, the sooner respiratory issues are recognized and treated, the better the likely outcome. Birds showing any respiratory distress should be evaluated promptly by an avian veterinarian for the best chance of recovery.
What are some tips for at-home care of birds with respiratory problems?
Caring for a bird with respiratory illness generally involves:
- Keeping the bird warm, as illness can impair temperature regulation
- Using a hospital cage or fish tank for easier monitoring
- Ensuring good hydration and nutrition with special feeds if needed
- Administering any prescribed medications
- Nebulization if recommended by the vet
- Minimizing stress and activity
- Monitoring droppings for quantity and quality
- Disinfecting cages, food/water containers to prevent reinfection
- Avoiding any respiratory irritants
- Providing formula/hand feeding if energy is compromised
Notify the veterinarian if there is no improvement or the condition deteriorates. Hospitalization may be required in severe cases.
When should a veterinarian be consulted about a bird’s respiratory signs?
Consult an avian veterinarian if a bird shows any of the following:
- Respiratory noises like clicking, wheezing
- Tail bobbing or using the beak to assist breathing
- Discharge from the nose, eyes
- Sneezing fits, coughing
- Loss of appetite, lethargy
- Sitting fluffed up for prolonged periods
- Cyanotic mucous membranes
- Difficulty breathing for more than a few hours
Respiratory infections can rapidly deteriorate so timely veterinary care is essential. Call ahead to the clinic so proper isolation protocols can be followed when you arrive with your sick bird.
Birds are masters at hiding illness until they are severely affected. Do not delay in seeking veterinary attention even for mild respiratory signs. The sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome.
Conclusion
Respiratory disease is common but often preventable in captive birds. Being watchful for any signs of respiratory distress and contacting an avian vet promptly provides the best chance for recovery. With supportive care and appropriate treatment as guided by diagnostic testing, many birds recover well. Prevention involves minimizing stress, proper husbandry, nutrition and prophylactic measures like vaccination. Respiratory infections require swift management to limit morbidity and mortality in our avian companions.