Aspiration pneumonia in parrots
Other names: Food went into the chest
Symptoms
- Rapid and difficult breathing after feeding
- Lethargy and poor responsiveness
- Cough/clicking
How it spreads
Not contagious; large quantities given quickly, an inexperienced hand-feeder, weaning time.
Diagnosis
Examination and radiographs.
Treatment
Oxygen, nebulization, antibiotics and antifungals, warmth and fluids; the prognosis is guarded.
Prevention
Feed slowly with the swallowing response (pumping), do not feed a chick that is not asking, do not handle the chick right after feeding.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.
Other diseases
- Crop stasis/sour crop
- Crop burn
- Stunting (failure to thrive)
- Splayed legs
- Beak deformities (scissor/protruding)
- Constricted toe syndrome
- Chick dehydration