The disease affects the crop and stomach of birds. It is also Candidiasis All About Health known to affect the skin, the respiratory tract, the central nervous system and other organs as well. Affected birds may keep off food, intermittently vomit and have white plaque in their mouth. Young birds, and birds on prolonged antibiotic treatment are especially vulnerable. Improper hygiene is the major cause for the spread of candidiasis. Prevention is possible through proper cage maintenance, clean water and nutritious food. Do not also subject birds to unnecessary antibiotic treatment. The disease can be treated with Nystatin and Ketoconazole. It is best to take the bird to an avian vet if any of the signs of candidiasis is noticed. Chlamydiosis is also known as psittacosis, parrot fever and ornithosis. The disease is caused by a bacteria-like organism called Chlamydia psittaci. The disease is contagious and can spread from bird to bird Chlamydiosis All About Health through respiratory secretions during coughing and sneezing. A bird can also get infected by ingesting contaminated material. Signs of infection are lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss. Other signs are labored breathing, discharge from the nostrils and eyes and swelling of the tissue around the eyes. As these are common indications that can point to any of several other diseases, consult a vet to determine if your pet is indeed infected with the Chlamydia psittaci bacteria. Treatment involves care by an avian vet as well as supportive care at home. The medicines normally administered are injectable Doxycycline, oral Doxycycline or Doxycycline medicated food and water. Supportive care must begin with disinfecting the bird's cage, food, and water bowls, and everything else the bird may have come in contact with. Objects that are porous and cannot be effectively disinfected should be destroyed. Treatment usually takes between 30 and 45 days. Its best to treat the bird under the supervision of an avian vet. All About Health As this is a highly infectious disease, isolate the bird till it is fully cured. The powder on Cockatiel plumage is often mistaken for dandruff. This powder is caused by two factors. Firstly, the feather sheathes that cover the growing pinfeathers flake off as the feather matures. Tame birds appreciate it if their humans gently preen these away in areas the bird can't reach such as the back of the head and neck. Secondly, it is the powder down that comes from special feathers. If your bird is gently sprayed with water everyday, the dust will be kept from sticking to everything in your house. The first indications that your Cockatoo is infected with this internal parasite are foul smelling droppings, diarrhea with the presence of mucous, loss of appetite, dullness, dry skin, dark oily feathers and feather plucking. In the case of young birds the disease will hamper growth and often prove fatal. Dandruff Giardia All About Health In addition to supportive care the bird can be treated with Ipronidazole, Flagyl and Metronidozole. These drugs may be administered orally or as an injection. |