		Birding & Birdwatching Companion (Pet) Birds

Main Page

Articles

Aviary Shop Area

Forum

Search
The Aviary

NEWSLETTER

Forum Talk

Pacheco's Disease -- What is It?

Ask a Vet - Prescription Diets

by Linda Pesek, DVM

Westbury Animal Hospital
319 Union Avenue
Westbury, NY
(516) 333-1123

This article originally appeared in SQUAWK, the newsletter of the Big Apple Bird Association and is reprinted with permission.

In addition to specialized diets for different stages of life such as handrearing formula, juvenile formula for young rapidly growing birds, adult maintenance formula and breeding formula, specific diets have been developed for several disease conditions of pet birds.

Obesity

Obesity is a very common problem of pet birds -- especially those who have been on an exclusively sunflower seed and peanut diet, or who lead sedentary lives. Seed diets are high in fat and phosphorus and low in calcium and vitamin D3. Roudybush has formulated a Reducing Care Diet that is a low fat, high fiber maintenance diet for obese birds. This diet is available as pellets or crumbles. It should only be used in those birds which are examined at regular intervals to evaluate their health and nutritional status.

Acutely Ill Birds

Acutely ill or very critical birds often suffer from dehydration, hypoglycemia, debilitation and poor nutritional status. These birds must be rehydrated and provided with a formula that is readily digested and contains a rapidly metabolizable energy source as well as necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber. Acute Care Diet by Roudybush is a dry powder, which when mixed with water, can be gavaged to the bird.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Problems with gastrointestinal motility, digestion and absorption are sometimes seen in pet birds. An Intestinal Care Diet has been formulated by Roudybush which has increased levels of fiber. The increased fiber slows the passage of the diet through the intestinal tract, thus allowing more time for digestion and absorption of nutrients. This diet is available as pellets, crumbles or a hand-feeding diet. Harrison's Juvenile Formula is a gavage formula that, although developed for handrearing of baby parrots, has also been recommended for use in patients with intestinal problems.

Proventricular Dilatation Disease

Proventricular Dilatation Disease is a devestating progressive disease that causes regurgitation, weight loss, the passage of undigested seeds in the feces, and death. Roudybush has formulated a Proventricular Dilatation Care Diet. This diet contains increased soluble fiber which slows its transit time, thus allowing additional time for digestion and absorption. Increased levels of vitamins and minerals are added, as well as several other nutrients. This diet is available as pellets, crumbles or as a hand-feeding formula. Harrison's Juvenile Formula has aslso been recommended for use in these birds.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease may occur in pet birds. Some feel that a protien-restricted diet decreases stress on the kidneys and thereby slows the progression of the disease. Roudybush has formulated a Kidney Care diet that is protein restricted, contains increased fiber, polyunsaturated fats, increased vitamin B and C and decreased mineral levels. This diet is available as pellets or crumbles.

Liver Disease

Liver disease is often diagnosed in pet birds. One type is fatty liver disease, a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver, interfering with its normal function. Unbalanced diets or high-energy diets with inadequate exercise may lead to this syndrome. All seed diets are thought to predispose birds to this. A Liver Care Diet has been formulated by Roudybush with balanced essential amino acids, and increased soluble fiber.

Ed. Note: Any of these diets should only be used under the care of your veterinarian.