Educational Articles
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Abnormal droppings are a non-specific sign of illness in birds. A change in dropping color, frequency, volume, wetness, or character may indicate a problem that requires immediate veterinary attention.
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Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat herpesvirus infections in cats, birds, dogs, and other animals. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine. Acyclovir comes in several oral forms, as well as injectable and topical forms. Monitor complete blood count in cats.
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African greys are vulnerable to both calcium and/or vitamin A deficiencies, as well as obesity. Feeding a well-balanced diet and making sure your parrot consumes the proper proportions of foods offered will help prevent the development of these conditions. Pellets are the ideal food for your pet African grey and should represent approximately 75-80% of your bird's diet. The remainder of the diet should be comprised of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a small amount of seed (if any).
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African grey parrots are highly intelligent birds and are now commonly bred in captivity as pets. The African grey has a charming personality and is recognized as one of the best talkers among all pet parrots. It is important to keep these smart birds busy, as boredom can lead to problems, such as feather picking and screaming. African greys require regular, preventative veterinary health checkups.
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Allopurinol is an oral medication typically used to prevent uric acid and calcium oxalate stones in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat leishmaniasis and gout in dogs and other species.
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Amazons are vulnerable to calcium and vitamin A deficiencies, and when fed a predominantly seed-based diet, they are prone to obesity. Feeding a well-balanced diet in the proper proportions will help prevent the development of these conditions. This handout provides guidelines for providing your Amazon parrot with an optimal diet to thrive and flourish.
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Some commonly kept Amazon parrots include the double yellow-headed Amazon, yellow-naped Amazon, blue-fronted Amazon, green-cheeked Amazon, and orange-winged Amazon. They bond readily, often with one member of the family. This one-on-one bond occasionally may lead to aggression towards others. Amazons are generally very affectionate and often solicit petting and head scratches. Like all pets, Amazon parrots require regular, preventative veterinary health check-ups.
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Birds innately hide symptoms of illness until later stages of disease. Anorexia (loss of appetite) and lethargy (listlessness and general inactivity) are common symptoms of illness in both pet and wild birds. While not specific to any disease, these signs can indicate severe illness that requires immediate attention from an avian veterinarian.
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Ascorbic acid (also known as Vitamin C) is an essential vitamin needed to maintain good nutrition and a healthy immune system. Some animals, such as guinea pigs, need ascorbic acid added to their diet as they cannot produce it on their own. It is used to treat scurvy in guinea pigs, as an antioxidant for certain toxins that cause methemoglobinemia in cats and dogs, and as a stool softener in rabbits.
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Aspergillosis is a severe and sometimes life-threatening fungal infection that commonly causes respiratory disease in pet birds. Infected birds may show tail bobbing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Aspergillosis is a challenging disease to treat and difficult to cure. In many cases, referral to an avian specialist is advised.