Avian anaesthesia in general practice

This paper reviews the management of General Anaesthesia in 32 birds. The methods adopted are outlined with particular reference to the drug CT 1341*, which was used for induction and, on some occasions, maintenance of anaesthesia.     

Cleaning and disinfection: tips for the practice

Cleaning (removal of visible dirt) and disinfection (reduction of the number of micro-organisms to an acceptable level) are necessary to limit 'carry over' of infections agents between patients and people as much as possible. Loose dirt should be removed prior to the use of a detergent. Apart from cases of contamination of an otherwise clean surface or in case of a highly infectious agent, thorough cleaning should always precede disinfection. Several active ingredients are approved for disinfection of animal accommodation. From the point of view of safety and effectiveness, individual chemicals should never be mixed or added to detergents. Queries about the use of chemical agents can be addressed to the College voor de Toelating van Bestrijdingsmiddelen or the manufacturer of the product.     

Avian cytology.

An overview of avian cytology is presented, discussing more common abnormalities that are encountered in routine clinical practice. The general cytologic features of inflammatory, infectious, and neo-plastic lesions are described. The remainder of the article covers major cytologic abnormalities by anatomic site of origin of the specimens.     

Avian anesthesia.

Providing a safe anesthetic environment is the key to successful avian anesthesia. Knowledge and understanding the anatomic and physiologic differences between birds and mammals help to prevent most emergency situations and guide responses in critical situations. Thorough preanesthetic history and examination, correction of underlying conditions, and use of simple anesthetic protocols all optimize the outcome of the procedure. Finally, critical monitoring helps to anticipate most crises and reduces incidences of mortality and morbidity in avian anesthesia.     

Avian analgesia.

Understanding behavioral indicators of pain and other assessment techniques can help one to recognize pain in birds and prompt us to treat birds with analgesics. An analgesic plan needs to include several modalities to help reduce pain in the avian patient. Analgesic therapy should be directed at treating the disease/injury in the periphery, and the changes that occur in the central nervous system (CNS). Both opioid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapeutics can be selected to provide analgesia for the avian patient.     

Avian toxicology.

Owing to the unique physiology of birds, most toxicities are life-threatening and require prompt, well-informed action. It is often hard to ascertain which specific toxin or the amount of toxin to which the bird has been exposed. Therefore, the most important action is to treat the bird, not the poison. This article discusses the steps in diagnosing and treating toxicoses, from both natural and man-made toxins, that have been reported in avian species.     

Avian skin diseases.

Avian dermatology is an important part of avian practice. Feather plucking, or self-mutilation, is one of the most common and challenging syndromes seen in avian practices, yet our understanding of it has developed piecemeal. Psittacine circovirus, which causes psittacine beak and feather disease, can devastate breeding programs and cause masked distress to new bird owners and their young birds. Cutaneous neoplasms are increasing in incidence as veterinarians are seeing more older bird patients.     

Avian reproductive endocrinology.

Hypothalamic-releasing factors regulate the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones. The anterior pituitary gland secretes the same six hormones as found in mammals: FSH, LH, prolactin, GH (somatotropic hormone), ACTH, and TSH, plus the melanotropic hormone. The endocrine hormones of the avian posterior pituitary gland concerned with reproduction are mesotocin and AVT. The pineal gland, through the secretion of the hormone melatonin, modulates the periodic autonomic functions of the central nervous system. The ovary produces estrogens, progestogens, and androgenic compounds. The testes produce testosterones and progesterone. The thyroid glands produce two hormones, T4 and T3. The avian adrenal glands produce corticosterone and aldosterone. The bursa of Fabricius is considered an endocrine organ since it is involved in the production of humoral factors. The male reproductive system undergoes hormonal changes associated with puberty, the breeding season, and molt. Some avian species undergo a type of disintegration and seasonal reconstruction of the testis and epididymis. The relationship of the ovarian follicular hormones and the plasma hormones varies depending on the stage of the reproductive cycle and the seasonal photostimulation. Female birds may conceive in the absence of a mate as a result of the fertile period phenomena. The blood chemistry of laying birds is different from that seen in nonlaying hens. Domestication has had a definite influence on the hormone cycles of some avian species. This may lead to certain reproductive problems.     

Avian clinical pathology.

Much of the information previously available concerning avian clinical pathology was drawn from data from domestic avian species, in particular, poultry. Clinical pathology of nondomestic avian species such as psittacines, however, has come a long way toward establishing normal reference values for caged birds. As a result, it is important for the avian clinician to learn which clinical tests can be used to detect and evaluate a single disease or disease processes by learning what information is gained from hematologic, biochemical, or cytologic samples acquired during a patient's clinical examination.     

Avian care and husbandry.

Birds are becoming more popular as pets, and the need for veterinary professionals to learn more about these pets is crucial. This article introduces the veterinary staff to basic information required to provide high-quality care to avian patients. High-quality nutrition for a variety of species and ages is included in this article. The importance of proper husbandry and intellectual stimulation with toys is also discussed. Special emphasis is placed on instructions for clients when making appointments, as well as recognizing signs of illness for both clients and veterinary staff. Capture, restraint, and sample collection are an important part of this article, as well as medication administration, anesthesia, supportive care, preventive care and grooming. A variety of aspects concerning the care of the avian patient are covered for the benefit of the client and veterinary technician.