Avian Respiratory Emergencies: An Approach to the Dyspneic Bird

Key Points

  • Signs of dyspnea in the avian patient include open-mouth breathing, increased sternal motion, and tail bobbing.
  • The dyspneic patient often benefits from humidifed air and 40% to 50% oxygen.
  • Tracheal obstruction is associated with acute onset of inspiratory and expiratory dyspnea, and is best managed short-term by air sac cannulation.
  • Important causes of tracheal disease are aspergillosis and seed inhalation.
  • Aspergillosis and chlamydiosis are important causes of pneumonia and air sacculitis. Onset is generally insidious, however subtle, non-specific signs of illness are often missed. Patients can present with dyspnea and prolonged expiration. Treatment frequently includes systemic therapy and nebulization.
  • Air sac compression caused by extrathoracic problems such as hepatomegaly is another important cause of respiratory compromise.
  • Low humidity and exposure to inhalant irritants such as strong fumes or cigarette smoke are important risk factors causing respiratory tract inflammation.
  • Survey radiography is a valuable diagnostic tool, particularly in medium to large-sized parrots. Additional diagnostic testing may include cytology, culture, endoscopy, hematology, and serum biochemistry.
  • Upper respiratory tract disease is common, but rarely a cause of dyspnea.

After recognizing a dyspneic bird, the clinician’s initial response should be: Hands Off!! Dyspneic birds can die soon after presentation with the additional stress of restraint and handling. Therefore minimize handling and place the bird in an oxygen-rich cage. Humidify air and provide 40 to 50% oxygen. As in mammals, oxygen therapy is potentially toxic if given for prolonged periods at high levels . . .


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References

Cohn LA. Physical examination of the pet with respiratory disease. Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference; 2006.

Graham JE. Approach to the dyspneic avian patient. Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine 13(3):154-159, 2004.

Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL, Flinchum GB. Emergency and critical care. In: GJ Harrison, TL Lightfoot (eds). Clinical Avian Medicine. Palm Beach, FL, Spix Publishing, 2006. pp. 213-232.

Hillyer EV. Clinical manifestations of respiratory disorders. In: RB Altman, SL Clubb, GM Dorrestein, K Quesenberry (eds). Avian Medicine and Surgery. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1997. pp. 394-411.

Jenkins JR. Hospital techniques and supportive care. In: RB Altman, SL Clubb, GM Dorrestein, K Quesenberry (eds). Avian Medicine and Surgery. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1997. pp. 232-252.

Pollock CG, Antinoff N, Carpenter JW. Avian. In: JW Carpenter (ed). Exotic Animal Formulary. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 2004.

To cite this page:

Pollock C. Avian respiratory emergencies: An approach to the dyspneic bird. May 27, 2007. LafeberVet Web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/respiratory-emergencies/