Emergency Care for Birds

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 avian veterinarian in veterinary practices in Amsterdam and Utrecht and in avian wildlife centers 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.

Part 1: Acute clinical signs of disease. 1. Clinical signs of disease. 2. Signs of disease requiring immediate attention by a veterinary professional. Part 2: Birds as emergency patients at the veterinary clinic. 3.Observation, physical examination and diagnostic tests. 4. General stabilization of sick birds. 5. Heat. 6.Fluid therapy. 7. Nutritional support. 8. Oxygen. 9. Analgesia and anesthesia.10. Quick guide for stabilizing birds in case of severe dyspnea, debilitation and shock Part 3: Specific emergency situations. 11. Leg band constriction. 12. Bleeding pin feather. 13. Hyperthermia. 14. Bleeding nail or beak tip. 15. Perforating (bite) trauma of the beak. 16. Lacerations and cuts. 17. Bite wound or deep wound caused by claws. 18. Self-mutilation. 19. Burn injuries. Contact with glue from rodent or insect trap. 20. Oil contamination. 22. Intoxications. 23. Concussion. 24. Cloacal prolapse. 25. Vomiting. 26. Crop stasis. 27. Seizures. 28. Egg binding / Dystocia. 29. Dyspnea. 30. Falling, abnormal stances and abnormal movements. 31. Paralysis. 32. Abnormal eye or closed eyelids (inability or unwillingness to open the eye). 33. Abnormal position of limbs. Fractures and luxations. 34. Maxillary hyperextension/palatine bone luxation. 35. Abnormal droppings. 36. Damaged air sac. Appendices. A1 Technique: Handling of birds. A2 Technique: Subcutaneous, intravenous and intrasosseous infusion, and venipuncture. A3 X-rays. A4 Microscopic examination of feces. A5 Technique: Placement of crop tube and crop lavage. A6 Technique: Placement of air sac tube. A7 Technique: Imploding eggs. A8 Technique: Applying (splint) bandages. A9 Technique: Ingluviotomy. A10 Table of (possibly) poisonous plants. A11 Psittacosis. A12 Disorders of calcium metabolism. A13 First-aid kit at home. A14 Extra ‘avian’ veterinary materials. A15 Formulary. A16 Biochemistry reference intervals. A17 Anatomy.