Exotic Animal Formulary5

Table 5-52
Spectral Doppler Echocardiographic Reference Intervals (m/s) in Selected Avian
Species Obtained in the Horizontal Four-Chamber View. a,28,595,775,776
Species
n
Left Diastolic
Inflow
Right Diastolic
Inflow
Aortic Systolic
Outflow
African grey
parrots
— 0.27-0.51 — 0.63-1.15
Amazon parrots — 0.12-.24 0.12-0.32 0.67-0.99
Barn owls 10 0.14-0.26 0.10-0.34 0.84-1.32
Cockatoos — 0.02-0.62 — 0.40-1.16
Common buzzard 10 0.16-0.28 0.13-0.25 1.04-1.68
Falcons 15 0.18-0.38 0.17-0.37 1.07-1.43
Harris’ hawks 10 0.13-0.25 0.15-0.27 0.75-1.43
Macaws — 0.40-0.68 — 0.55-1.07
a
To obtain a 95% reference interval, all published results in the form of mean ± SD were reported as
mean ± 2SD and in the form of mean ± sem were reported as mean ± 2sem√n, when only the range or a
95% reference interval was published, it was reported as is. Parrots were anesthetized; raptors were
awake.
Table 5-53
Guidelines for Selection of Psychotherapeutic Agents for Birds. 92,497,729,743
1. Perform a complete medical and behavioral workup:
▪ Obtain a detailed medical and behavioral history.
▪ Perform careful physical examination, looking for evidence of feather dysplasia or skin abnormalities.
▪ Collect a minimum database that includes complete blood count, plasma biochemistry panel, radiograp
psittacine beak and feather disease testing, as well as paired (affected/nonaffected) skin/feather follicle bio
when indicated.
2. Once a medical problem has been ruled out or treated, assuming the problem does not abate, form a
behavioral diagnosis:
▪ It is not enough to determine the bird is feather picking; identify “why” the bird is feather picking; use
“antecedent, behavior, and consequence” data can be particularly helpful.
▪ Many behavioral problems are multifactorial in origin.
3. Formulate a treatment plan that incorporates:
▪ Environmental modification:
○ Improve the nutritional plane and basic husbandry.
○ Provide environmental enrichment where appropriate.
▪ Behavioral modification techniques:
○ Focus on what you want the bird to do and reward the bird for that and/or engage in stimulating
behavior that will accomplish that goal. Do not punish or deprive the bird.
○ Offer behavioral alternatives with emphasis in developing foraging behaviors for treats or food of
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