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Cockatiel
Illnesses |
by:
Medha
Roy |
Cockatiel
Illnesses
Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets
in the world. They are a valuable treasure
to the owner. Cockatiels, just like humans,
need a lot of attention and care. Parrots
as pets are delightful but they can become
extremely moody and temperamental. This
may also depend on its health and diet.
Good cockatiel care involves not only regulation
of diet but also of hygiene and cleanliness.
Cockatiels, like most of its cousins in
the parrot kingdom, are prone to some typical
illnesses. Unfortunately, many are fatal
and result in death even before the malady
is diagnosed. As a result, cockatiels should
always be kept under close supervision.
A wise owner of cockatiels is one who is
aware of common cockatiel illnesses so that
he/she can at least try and help. Many maladies
are airborne and they set in even before
you realize. It is advisable to seek professional
advice whenever you suspect a crisis.
Some of the common illnesses are:
Pacheco's Virus - It is easy to diagnose
your cockatiel if Pacheco's Virus infects
it. The bird needs to be administered a
strong oral dose of Zovirax medication.
Vaccines are easily available for this disease,
but they can bring about tumors and carriers.
Evidence shows that parrots are likely to
die shortly after inoculation.
Polyomavirus - Polyomavirus largely attacks
the young ones. This virus is again air-borne
and complicated to control. Look for clinical
warning signs like depression, delayed crop
emptying, anorexia, diarrhea, regurgitation
and weight loss in parrots.
Beak and Feather Syndrome - Spread by feather
dust and dried feces, parrots infected with
PBFDS show abnormal growth of new feathers.
The new-fanged shafts look as if swollen
and gnarled. Another type of PBFDS symptom
that is quite prevalent is growth abnormality
of the beak. There is currently no known
cure for this disease.
Wasting Disease - A highly contagious disease
Wasting Disease is not as fast in opening
out as Pacheco's. Wasting Diseases are hard
to reckon since they lie dormant for years,
until hosts are on a move. Studies on parrot
show Wasting Diseases have a severe effect
on nervous systems extended to all of the
major organs, triggering seizures, paralysis,
and tremors, and also heart attacks. There
is no known medication available for Wasting
Disease, but changing the food patterns
of the parrots by including easily digestible
diet supplements may prolong the life of
a victim.
Papilloma - Appearing primarily in the throat
or vent areas, papilloma is caused by a
virus infection similar to warts. It grows
large enough to block the vent, making it
difficult or even impossible for the host
to defecate. Parrots diagnosed of Papilloma
can be cured after successful laser surgery.
Psittacosis - Psittacosis is another most
dreaded bacterial infection that commonly
occurs in the cockatiels and is transmitted
via feather dust and dried feces.
E-coli - This bacterium is not so lethal
if it is acknowledged and treated at initial
stages. In fact, when cockatiels are diagnosed
of having Ecoli their droppings usually
have the appearance of diarrhea, giving
out strong odor.
Gout - Calcification of the kidneys among
the parrots is common especially among the
babies who are aged 4-8 weeks. In such cases,
victims rarely survive. Initially they show
regurgitating and slight dehydration after
feedings. In addition, babies who appear
slightly smaller than their regular sizes,
with protruding neck bone have the largest
possibility of incurring Gout.
Runny Nose or Nasal Discharge - The most
common of all nasal discharge is laxity
of Vitamin-A in cockatiels. This deficiency
can be corrected by increasing the food
quantities that are rich in vitamins and
mineral contents especially.
Author
: Medha
Roy
Date Posted : 08 - Feb
- 2005
Website : http://www.pet-parrots.com
About the Author
The author is a parrot owner for the
last 12 years. She works for www.pet-parrots.com |
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