Emergency Care for Birds A Guide for Veterinary Professionals

About this book

Due to their often small size and unique physical characteristics, birds can deteriorate rapidly in the event of illness and injury. Timely intervention in the event of clinical signs is therefore essential for an optimal prognosis. Authored by avian veterinarian Rob van Zon, this concise, practical guide will help veterinary professionals to provide first aid and emergency care for birds, as well as to instruct clients on providing basic first aid when they are unable to get to the clinic.

The full-colour book, packed with photographs and anatomy drawings, includes instructions for veterinary professionals for stabilizing sick avian patients and management of many specific emergency situations at the veterinary clinic. This includes guidance for those presented with a moribund, critically ill patient i.e., recognising and treating hypothermia, hypoxia, hypovolaemia and hypoglycaemia. The book also lists of alarming signs of disease and toxic plants, and includes clinical procedures, emergency drug formulary and bandaging techniques. Finally, it offers guidance to veterinarians giving advice to bird owners for first aid at home.

Contents

- Acknowledgements
- About the Author
- Introduction

Part 1: Acute clinical signs of disease
- Clinical signs of disease
- Signs of disease requiring immediate attention by a veterinary professional

Part 2: Birds as emergency patients at the veterinary clinic
- Observation, physical examination and diagnostic tests
- General stabilization of sick birds
- Heat
- Fluid therapy
- Nutritional support
- Oxygen
- Analgesia and anesthesia

Part 3: Quick guide for stabilizing birds in case of severe dyspnea, debilitation and shock

Part 4: Specific emergency situations
- Leg band constriction
- Bleeding pin feather
- Hyperthermia
- Bleeding nail or beak tip
- Perforating (bite) trauma of the beak
- Lacerations and cuts
- Bite wound or deep wound caused by claws
- Self-mutilation
- Burn injuries
- Contact with rodent or insect glue
- Oiled birds
- Intoxications
- Concussion
- Cloacal prolapse
- Vomiting
- Crop stasis
- Seizures
- Egg binding / Dystocia
- Dyspnea
- Falling, abnormal stances and abnormal movements
- Paralysis
- Abnormal eye or closed eyelids (inability or unwillingness to open the eye)
- Abnormal position of limbs
- Fractures and luxations
- Maxillary hyperextension/palatine bone luxation
- Abnormal droppings
- Damaged air sac

APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Technique: Handling of birds
Appendix 2. Technique: Subcutaneous, intravenous and intrasosseous infusion, and venipuncture
Appendix 3. X-rays
Appendix 4. Microscopic examination of feces
Appendix 5. Technique: Placement of crop tube and crop lavage
Appendix 6. Technique: Placement of air sac tube
Appendix 7. Technique: Imploding eggs
Appendix 8. Technique: Applying (splint) bandages
Appendix 9. Technique: Ingluviotomy
Appendix 10. Table of (possibly) poisonous plants
Appendix 11. Psittacosis
Appendix 12. Disorders of calcium metabolism
Appendix 13. First aid kit at home
Appendix 14. Extra 'avian' veterinary materials
Appendix 15. Formulary
Appendix 16. Biochemistry reference intervals
Appendix 17. Anatomy

Customer Reviews

Biography

After having been interested in birds throughout his whole youth, Rob van Zon started studying veterinary medicine at the University of Utrecht to turn his passion into his job. After graduating in 2005, Rob worked as an avian veterinarian in veterinary practices in Amsterdam and Utrecht and in avian wildlife centres in The Netherlands. In addition to treating thousands of birds in his own clinics, Rob tries to help as many birds as possible indirectly by teaching other veterinarians, students and bird owners.