BSAVA Manual of Psittacine Birds

The many advances in psittacine medicine since the previous editionwas published in 1996 are reflected in this Manual, which has beenupdated and rewritten under the direction of a new editorialpartnership. The extended use of colour photographs adds to theextra usefulness of this successor to a well loved volume.

Clinical examination is presented in a logical, highly practicalway, with integrated photographs of key features. The chapter endswith notes on critical and emergency cases. The basic techniques ofinjection, crop tubing, microchipping, and wing, claw and beakclipping are described and illustrated. The role of clinicalpathology is demonstrated, including colour images of haematologyand cytology, and a step-by-step post-mortem examination procedureis presented. Diagnostic imaging encompasses radiography,ultrasonography and endoscopy, with views o both normal abdabnormal presentations. Surgical principles plus procedures forboth soft and hard tissues are then described.

Subsequent chapters cover systemic illnesses and disease byindividua organ system. These are designed to be read in theirentirety or to be referred to as needed.

For general practitioners the most commonly seen psittacinepatients are small parrots, Cockateils and Budgerigars. A chapteris therefore devoted to dealing with common problems in these smallpatients. This practical approach to the sick bird is extended inan appendix of diagnostic algorithms for common presentations suchas 'fluffing up', fitting and feather damage.

The editors both developed their interests in avian medicine fromgeneral practice and this has resulted in a practical, easy-to-useand relevant guide to psittacine medicine.