Bird Basics Teaching Module

Objectives

What are the basics of avian medicine that a novice veterinary health professional should know before laying hands on the companion parrot patient? Upon completion of this learning aid, the participant will have a basic clinical understanding of avian anatomy, psittacine handling and restraint, history and  physical examination, zoonotic concerns, nutrition, basic diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, as well as a few select presenting problems.

The content listed below barely scratches the surface of avian medicine. Use LafeberVet’s list of Avian Quick Links to assist your navigation of additional avian medicine resources on LafeberVet.

Syllabus

Anatomy & Physiology	Handling & Restraint
Parrot Anatomy Basics	Parrot Handling and Restraint – video or text with still images
History & Exam	Zoonotic Concerns
The Exotic Animal History The Acclimation Period: Approach to Prey Species Physical Examination of the Avian Patient Recognizing Signs of Illness in Birds	Required Reading for Animal Care Staff: Zoonoses Zoonotic concern: Psittacosis in Birds
Housing & Nutrition	Supportive Care Techniques
Basic Husbandry: Hospitalizing Non-Traditional Species Clinical Avian Nutrition for Veterinary Health Professionals – RACE approved webinar recording	Subcutaneous Fluids in Birds– video or text with still images Tube Feeding Birds - video or text with still images Wing Wrap Placement in Birds – video or text with still images
Minimum Database	Basic Techniques
Avian Radiology: Basic Principles, Reference Values & Clinical Cases – RACE approved webinar recording Venipuncture in Birds	Intramuscular Injections in Birds – video or text with still images Oral Drug Administration in Birds – video or text with still images
Photo credit: Dr. Minh Huynh
Select Clinical Problems
Anorexia in Birds Broken Blood Feather The Fluffed and Ruffled Bird Poisonings in the Avian Patient

Approval pending

Stay Tuned: This teaching module will be submitted for approval by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards for continuing education credit.