Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine最新文献

The Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) is a very popularly kept passerine species within aviculture. Its popularity has resulted in it being almost domesticated with many color mutations having been established around the world. Despite its secure captive status, this species is suffering from a serious decline in numbers in its native habitat in Northern Australia. Excessive cattle grazing and altered fire regimes are thought to be key factors in this decline. Infection with the parasitic mite, Sternostoma tracheacolum, is thought to be of secondary importance. In captivity, despite its popularity, it has the reputation of being delicate and susceptible to many diseases. A range of viral, bacterial, mycotic, protozoal, helminthic, and arthropodal agents and metabolic disorders have been identified and implicated as contributing to the illness and death of many Gouldian Finches. The presence of many diseases such as mycobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, microsporidiosis, and avian gastric yeast which are commonly considered as secondary pathogens is discussed. The importance of suitable housing and diet, decreasing environmental stressors, and optimizing hygiene is also stressed.

Nutritional adequacy is imperative to maintain health and optimize reproductive output of lorikeets. Although lorikeets feed primarily on nectar and pollen, substitution with simple sugars and a high protein diet is inadequate. Although nectar consists primarily of sucrose, the highly indigestible raffinose sugars contained in some plant and insect exudates may promote colonization of beneficial bacteria such as the bifidobacteria, decreasing clostridial populations and possibly influencing infections of eggs with Salmonella enteritidis. Protein content of wild fruits is marginally higher when compared with commercially available fruits commonly fed to birds but fat content of wild fruits can be as high as 29%. Wild figs also have higher fat and calcium content than their domesticated counterparts. While lorikeets can survive on only 2.9% of a high-quality, highly digestible protein source, they may optimize their protein intake by selecting native species with significantly higher protein contents (>24%) and sufficient levels of essential amino acids. Substituting these pollens with inferior sources may result in essential amino acid deficiencies. There are a variety of commercial nectar substitutes on the market but the high vitamin A content of many of these products is excessively high (up to 28,000 IU kg⁻¹), possibly contributing to a number of reproductive failures and poor health in captive lorikeets, including iron storage disease.

The behavior of raptors is influenced by captivity, and has clinical relevance for veterinarians with regard to their housing, management, and handling. Important behavioral aspects to be aware of include tendencies towards aggression, stress, habituation, and malimprinting. For Australian raptor species there is limited information available on their captive behavior. Information given in this article about general raptor behavior, behavioral development of raptors, and the effect of human exposure on raptors, can provide for understanding of behavior for many captive raptors, Australian species or otherwise. Comments specifically about Australian species in captivity and their natural biology are given also. The behavioral information presented, plus a concluding summary of veterinary conditions of raptors encountered in Australia, may be useful for veterinarians dealing with Australian raptor cases or raptor cases generally.

The Galah is the most common and successful of the Australian cockatoos. The expansion of agriculture and the establishment of permanent water sources in an otherwise arid continent has allowed this species to spread and thrive like no other Australian psittacine. Alongside this growth there has been an increasing popularity in the Galah as a pet and aviary bird. In Australia it is one of the most commonly kept companion birds, outranked only by the budgerigar, cockatiel, and canary. Outside Australia it is less common, but highly prized for its striking colors, quiet nature, and engaging personality. It is not an easy bird to keep, and numerous birds are lost as pets each year because of a lack of understanding of the Galah’s physical and psychological requirements. Before understanding the Galah in captivity it is important to understand its natural behavior. This paper focuses firstly on the Galah in the Australian bush, including its normal behavior, diet, and reproduction. It then addresses how these factors are affected by captivity, as reflected in the captive Galah’s behavior and medical problems.

Amazons, Australian Parakeets, and African Grey Parrots are more and more becoming popular pets. In order to provide better service to these species, the veterinary practitioner must become familiar with their common medical problems. In this article, we will discuss the common medical disorders seen in these species.

Syndromes and conditions discussions are extremely useful for practitioners working with multiple avian species in a clinical setting. A basic knowledge of the common ailments by species helps the verterianrian and other veterinary health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of the various birds seen in practice. This article reviews the conditions most commonly encountered in working with the species listed.

The popularity of reptiles has increased tremendously in the last 2 decades. Over this time, many species of lizards have become routinely available, and their uniqueness and personality have resulted in their becoming mainstream pets. With so many species of lizards (>3000 species), it is difficult for the reptile clinician to be familiar with each species that is presented. This paper will provide the veterinarian with a reference for the most common problems seen in common species or groups of lizards. The number of conditions and syndromes described for these lizard species will increase as we continue to see more of these patients in practice and to share our clinical experiences, and as diagnostic capabilities improve. The complexity of care necessary for these diverse lizard species is at the root of most problems seen with pet lizards. A primary goal is to improve husbandry by attempting to provide a captive environment and diet that is similar to the natural history of the lizard. References for the natural history, husbandry, and captive breeding information for the species of lizards described in this paper are cited in the initial heading for each species.