Description: Birds demonstrating breathing difficulties characterized by open-mouth breathing, obvious abdominal excursions, respiratory noise and tail bobbing with each breath are all signs that your bird is suffering from a problem involving the respiratory system. A bird with respiratory problems may also
Description: Birds demonstrating breathing difficulties characterized by open-mouth breathing, obvious abdominal excursions, respiratory noise and tail bobbing with each breath are all signs that your bird is suffering from a problem involving the respiratory system. A bird with respiratory problems may also show signs of ocular involvement, nasal discharge, sinus damage or subcutaneous emphysema (air under the skin).
Bacterial (including Chlamydophila and Mycoplasma), protozoal, fungal and viral infections can all cause respiratory problems. Airborne toxins, smoke and some aerosol items can also result in respiratory difficulty. Over-heated non-stick cookware (PTFE) releases toxic fumes that can be life-threatening. Foreign bodies, such as an inhaled seed hull, can also cause respiratory problems. Allergies, while poorly understood, can cause breathing problems and also an elevation in the amount of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This is most likely to occur in New World parrots developing respiratory problems related to the excessive amount of powder down, dust and dander found on Old World species (cockatoos, cockatiels and African Grey parrots).
Immediate Care: If your bird is showing signs of acute, serious respiratory distress, such as open mouth breathing, a respiratory squeak or tail bobbing, you should transport it to an avian veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately. If yo