1st Edition
Emergency Care for Birds A Guide for Veterinary Professionals
Due to their often small size and unique physical characteristics, birds can deteriorate rapidly in the event of illness and injury. Timely intervention in the event of clinical signs is therefore essential for an optimal prognosis. Authored by avian veterinarian Rob van Zon, this concise, practical guide will help veterinary professionals to provide first aid and emergency care for birds, as well as to instruct clients on providing basic first aid when they are unable to get to the clinic.
This full-color book, packed with photographs and anatomy drawings, includes instructions for veterinary professionals on stabilizing sick avian patients and management of many specific emergency situations at the veterinary clinic. This includes guidance for those presented with a moribund, critically ill patient i.e., recognizing and treating hypothermia, hypoxia, hypovolemia and hypoglycemia. The book also lists of alarming signs of disease and toxic plants, and includes clinical procedures, an emergency drug formulary, and bandaging techniques. Finally, it offers guidance to veterinarians giving advice to bird owners for first aid at home.
Part 1: Acute clinical signs of disease
Chapter 1: Clinical signs of disease
Chapter 2: Signs of disease requiring immediate attention by a veterinary professional
Part 2: Birds as emergency patients at the veterinary clinic
Chapter 3: Observation, physical examination and diagnostic tests
Chapter 4: General stabilization of sick birds
Chapter 5: Heat
Chapter 6: Fluid therapy
Chapter 7: Nutritional support
Chapter 8: Oxygen
Chapter 9: Analgesia and anesthesia
Part 3: Quick guide for stabilizing birds in case of severe dyspnea, debilitation and shock
Part 4: Specific emergency situations
Chapter 10: Leg band constriction
Chapter 11: Bleeding pin feather
Chapter 12: Hyperthermia
Chapter 13: Bleeding nail or beak tip
Chapter 14: Perforating (bite) trauma of the beak
Chapter 15: Lacerations and cuts
Chapter 16: Bite wound or deep wound caused by claws
Chapter 17: Self-mutilation
Chapter 18: Burn injuries
Chapter 19: Contact with rodent or insect glue
Chapter 20: Oiled birds
Chapter 21: Intoxications
Chapter 22: Concussion
Chapter 23: Cloacal prolapse
Chapter 24: Vomiting
Chapter 25: Crop stasis
Chapter 26: Seizures
Chapter 27: Egg binding / Dystocia
Chapter 28: Dyspnea
Chapter 29: Falling, abnormal stances and abnormal movements
Chapter 30: Paralysis
Chapter 31: Abnormal eye or closed eyelids (inability or unwillingness to open the eye)
Chapter 32: Abnormal position of limbs. Fractures and luxations
Chapter 33: Maxillary hyperextension/palatine bone luxation
Chapter 34: Abnormal droppings
Chapter 35: Damaged air sac
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Technique: Handling of birds
Appendix 2 Technique: Subcutaneous, intravenous and intrasosseous infusion, and venipuncture
Appendix 3 X-rays
Appendix 4 Microscopic examination of feces
Appendix 5 Technique: Placement of crop tube and crop lavage
Appendix 6 Technique: Placement of air sac tube
Appendix 7 Technique: Imploding eggs
Appendix 8 Technique: Applying (splint) bandages
Appendix 9 Technique: Ingluviotomy
Appendix 10 Table of (possibly) poisonous plants
Appendix 11 Psittacosis
Appendix 12 Disorders of calcium metabolism
Appendix 13 First aid kit at home
Appendix 14 Extra ‘avian’ veterinary materials
Appendix 15 Formulary
Appendix 16 Biochemistry reference intervals
Appendix 17 Anatomy
Biography
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.
