Article 

Amphibian Handling and Restraint

Part of the Herptile Handling Teaching Module, this review article addresses handling and restraint of amphibians, a diverse group that consists of over 8,000 extant species belonging to three orders: Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata or Urodela (salamanders, newts, and sirens), and Gymnophiona or Apoda (caecilians). Transport, defense mechanisms that may prove hazardous to handlers, potential dangers for the patient, and specific capture, handling, and restraint techniques are reviewed. Equipment needed, including personal protective equipment, is also discussed as well as measures to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.

Client Education Handout 

Lead Exposure in Backyard Poultry

Although birds are kept for a variety of reasons, many owners raise backyard chickens for personal consumption of meat and eggs. There is some concerns that poultry can be exposed to heavy metals, such as lead, and then pass lead on to people in their eggs or meat. Poultry are most commonly exposed to lead through soil that has been contaminated by lead-based paint flakes that have come off older buildings or even…

Article  Video  Webinar 

Clinical Avian Nutrition for Veterinary Health Professionals

Dr. Susan Orosz presented this live, interactive webinar event on the clinical perspectives of avian nutrition. How can veterinary health professionals best address the nutritional needs of the companion bird in the exam room? View the RACE-approved, non-interactive webinar recording, the pass the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.

Article 

Poisonings in the Avian Patient

Poisonings are relatively uncommon in companion bird emergency medicine, but these conditions do occur and can involve a wide assortment of toxins. In principal, treatment in birds is the same as for other animals. First, stabilize the patient presented with abnormal clinical signs. Establish an airway, initiate respiration, and address cardiovascular needs.

How Did We Get Off the Goo?

Many people have been curious about the way we at International Bird Rescue were able to clean the birds affected by the San Francisco Bay Mystery Goo Spill in January 2015.

Article 

Heavy Metal Poisoning in Birds

Heavy metal poisoning in birds most commonly occurs from ingestion of substances containing lead, or less commonly zinc. Acute heavy metal toxicity is occasionally seen in companion parrots that ingest or chew on objects containing metal because of their curious nature and innate desire to forage. Chronic lead poisoning most frequently affects free-ranging wildlife such as ducks, geese, swans and loons and is most commonly seen during migration in the late fall and early spring. Lead toxicity also occasionally occurs in upland game birds such as mourning doves, wild turkey, pheasants and quail. Lead poisoning has also been reported in raptors, presumably from the ingestion of lead-contaminated prey.

Client Education Handout 

Unsafe Foods For Birds

Better safe than sorry. Veterinary health professionals rely on a wide range of information because it is generally considered best to err on the side of caution. This client educational handout divides potential danger foods into three categories.

Client Education Handout 

Toxic Plants

Toxic plants reported in small animals include aloe vera, Amanita mushrooms, Amaryllis sp…

Client Education Handout 

Lead Poisoning in Birds

Lead poisonings in birds most commonly occurs from ingestion of substances containing lead. Lead can be found in many household items.

Article  Video 

Avian Respiratory Emergencies: An Approach to the Dyspneic Bird

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.