Breathing problems/shortness of breath is possibly the most common complaint in parrots and parakeets. Most of the causes are preventable and are the result of the owner's ignorance about preventing health problems.
There is a long differential diagnosis when it comes to shortness of breath/shortness of breath. Below is an overview of the most important causes:
Chronic nutritional deficiencies
Experience is that 80% of cases of (acute) shortness of breath are the result of chronic nutritional deficiencies involving hyperkeratosis/growths of the mucous membranes. That is by Prof. P. Zwart as a pathologist already published about this in 1979 based on research.
We also see abnormal moulting, insufficient feather quality and abnormal skin quality, abnormal horn quality. We see the complaint of (acute) shortness of breath in a parrot/parakeet that has gradually deteriorated and where the respiratory problems have been present for weeks or months.
Unfortunately, many birds are only offered if there is talk of shortness of breath, even though the bird has been short of breath for (much) longer. Budgerigars have a specific condition based on nutritional errors in which the thyroid gland is swollen and can cause shortness of breath. We often see that such parakeets also make gagging movements as if something is bothering them.
It is remarkable that we also see shortness of breath in a parrot that is recovering from nutritional deficiencies. The explanation for this seems to be that such birds will molt/shed their old mucous membranes as a result of their improved condition. We often also see the skin molting and feathers changing. We may see some nasal discharge or blinking, head strangling movements, yawning, sneezing, scratching the head and some “itchiness”.
We can therefore expect complaints after switching to a high-quality diet such as the diets from Harrison's Bird Foods.
When switching the bird, it is important to also give injections to support the general condition/metabolism. These injections are often repeated within the Bird Clinic after 4-5 weeks because shortness of breath often increases again during that period. Then the injections are repeated after 8-10 large feathers have been molted. In addition, it is important that the bird comes outside as often as possible and is sprayed/misted several times a day.
Moulting or laying eggs
Moulting or laying eggs puts an extra burden on the metabolism. We often see shortness of breath problems in combination.
Insufficient sunlight
Sunlight and especially UV rays are essential for the health, metabolism and well-being of birds. Birds kept indoors also eventually develop respiratory problems. Partly because the indoor quarters are insufficiently ventilated and there is talk of this.
Irritating substances
In case of shortness of breath, we must also take into account an acute reaction after inhaling irritating substances. Smoke, perfume, paint odors, (hair)spray, baking odors, etc. etc. can cause shortness of breath. The well-known Tefalpan poisoning can cause acute shortness of breath and death if overheated. A dusty environment that is too dry is also unfavorable for the mucous membranes. Aerosols containing parasitics, etc.
Bacterial/fungal infections
We have to take infections into account. This may involve bacterial infections such as pseudomonas or fungal infections (aspergillosis). These are usually complications in birds with reduced fitness/resistance.
Such an infection can play in the trachea, lungs, air sacs. An X-ray, blood test and endoscopic examination may be diagnostically important.
Circulation disorders
We must take into account circulatory disorders due to heart muscle degeneration and/or arteriosclerosis.
Space-consuming processes
We must take into account space-occupying processes (tumors, gastric dilation, egg laying problems, fat/lipomas, swelling of the liver). Especially in budgerigars it is remarkable to see how often tumors play a role as a cause of death.
Obstructions
For example, by inhaling parts of the food/seed.
Choking pneumonia
If fluid or food has entered the lungs from the trachea
Hydrops ascites
We must take into account hydrops ascites based on serositis, egg peritonitis, chronic liver problems, etc.
Anemia
Due to general weakness/deficiencies, infectious diseases, tumors, metabolic problems.
Viral infections
We must take into account viral infections with general complaints including shortness of breath. In Amazons, a Herpes virus infection is known with a specific inflammation in the trachea. Pacheco's disease as a Herpes virus infection can also cause shortness of breath, especially with severe swelling of the liver)
Bacterial and viral infections rarely play a role in parrots and parakeets that are kept as pet birds, especially when complaints have existed for a long time, as is often the case. In case of acute complaints, fungal and yeast infections must be taken into account more. This means that we must be very cautious about giving antibiotics, especially doxycycline (Vibra-vet) and tetracyclines, which are notorious because these medicines make birds extra sensitive to fungal and yeast infections and any existing infection only gets worse.
Copyright © Advisory Practice for Birds | drs. Jan Hooimeijer. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied without written permission from Jan Hooimeijer. Sharing the article in its original form is of course permitted (and even desirable) on the condition that this is always done with clear source information. The article has been compiled with the utmost care. However, the author cannot accept responsibility for any damage of any kind resulting from defects in the content.