Respiratory diseases are among the most common problems seen in all species of pet birds. Because these problems can have a variety of causes, early diagnosis and proper treatment is necessary to prevent a severe, potentially life-threatening illness.
What are some signs of respiratory disease in birds?
Depending on where the infection is located in their respiratory tract, birds may exhibit a wide range of clinical symptoms. The upper respiratory tract of a bird is comprised of the nasal passages, sinuses, and trachea, while the lower respiratory tract is made up of the lungs and air sacs, which are translucent membranes found inside the bird’s chest, abdomen, and some of its bones. Birds with tracheal infections may only exhibit a change in voice. Open-mouth breathing can occur when mucus, pus, or foreign objects obstruct the trachea’s airflow. Birds that have infections in their air sacs or lungs may find it difficult to breathe.
When a bird has a respiratory illness, some of them will have watery eyes, while others will cough, sneeze, and produce nasal discharge. Birds with mild symptoms may not exhibit obvious respiratory symptoms; instead, they may just seem disturbed, be unable to perch, and have their eyes closed. A bird that is exerting more effort to breathe typically displays an up-and-down bob of its tail with each breath. Any time a bird exhibits one of these symptoms, it should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
What are some of the causes of respiratory disease in pet birds?
Respiratory problems can have many causes. Feeding an all-seed diet is a common underlying problem among many birds. Most types of seeds contained in bird diets have deficient levels of vitamin A, which is necessary for the normal development of epithelium (skin cells), which line the respiratory tract. Vitamin A deficiency results in abnormal epithelium, which is easily invaded by microorganisms, such as bacteria. However, parasites, fungi (Aspergillus), viruses, Mycoplasma (a unique kind of bacteria), and Chlamydia (the bacterial organism that causes parrot fever or chlamydiosis in birds), may all cause respiratory infections in birds, as well.
Organ enlargement brought on by tumors or infections can occasionally cause respiratory issues in birds, such as breathing difficulties, as the enlarged organ puts pressure on the respiratory tract. Rarely, respiratory disease symptoms like sneezing can also be caused by inflammation brought on by environmental irritants.
Birds may exhibit respiratory symptoms if they are exposed to environmental pollutants like oil-based paint, aerosol sprays, and cigarette smoke. Exposure to overheated non-stick cookware containing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can result in sudden death. When cookware, like Teflon pans, is heated above 536ºF (280ºC), it releases a colorless, odorless vapor that inhales and instantly kills birds. It is never advisable to use appliances like stoves and toaster ovens that are coated in Teflon or contain PTFE non-stick cookware near birds.
Allergy reactions may result from using air fresheners, furniture cleaners, candles, or even perfume. Although there is little chance of finding the actual cause of their allergies, you may be able to narrow it down by using the process of elimination.
When a parrot shows symptoms of a potential respiratory issue, such as coughing, hacking, or sneezing, it can be frightening for the owner to see their pet in such a helpless state, and to make things worse, not many people know what to do in these situations.
Most grocery and home improvement stores sell new air filters for roughly $10, which is a small price to pay for your parrot’s health and wellbeing.
Most human viruses do not infect birds, so don’t let them trick you into believing that you gave them the cold. When you have spare time, you can also teach your bird to speak.
Additionally, to help lower the amount of dust in the air, you should change the air filter in your once every 30 days. If your air filter remains unaltered for more than thirty days, its ability to eliminate dust, mold, and bacteria from the air will be diminished.
FAQ
Can birds cough and sneeze?
What does it mean when a bird sneezes?
What does a birds cough sound like?
Do birds cause cough?