with Dr Alex Rosenwax

Next session: Date to be advised

This course is designed to give the veterinary practitioner a basic understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of birds. Areas of care and husbandry of different pet birds will also be covered.

Many veterinarians are called upon to treat and diagnose both wild and pet birds. Owners often seek advice from their veterinarian on simple care and behaviour of their birds and how this may differ from dogs and cats. Other birds may be presented to a veterinary clinic when unwell or traumatised. Commonly the owner is unfamiliar with how to handle their own bird and what is the normal behaviour and anatomy of their pet bird. The veterinarian must decide if the bird is normal, unwell or an emergency case. In order to do so the veterinarian must know the normal bird anatomy, husbandry and behaviour. These unwell birds may need further diagnostic work up to determine their illness, including crop and faecal tests, blood tests and radiographs. Once a diagnosis has been reached appropriate medication and/or surgical procedures may be necessary on these often relatively simple cases.

On completion of this course, participants will have a basic knowledge and understanding of the husbandry and common illnesses in birds, the diagnostic tests available and treatment options.

Course content

The course is designed to take approximately (ten) 10 hours to complete. It will be broken down into nine (9) subjects (units).

Unit 1 Anatomy and Physiology
Unit 2 Husbandry, Care and Advice
Unit 3 Emergency Medicine and Care
Unit 4 Handling and Examination
Unit 5 Microscope Diagnosis
Unit 6 Radiology
Unit 7 Common Problems
Unit 8 Biochemistry
Unit 9 Common Syndromes

The first unit is a brief overview of the differences in anatomy and physiology between birds and mammals. Important anatomical and physiological differences of birds will be highlighted. These differences will be related to practical considerations for veterinarians and relevant treatment protocols.

Each subject following the introduction will focus on one area of avian practice and will cover handling, husbandry, common presentations of these animals, diagnostic tests and how these problems might be managed in practice. Case studies, videos and images will complement the course notes to give the participant a better knowledge of the subject. At the end of each unit there will be a short quiz which will need to be completed before moving on to the next unit.

Units are NOT of equal value. Units 1-4 are the handling and the basics of birds. Units 5-8 are on diagnosis. Unit 9 is on approaches to common syndromes.

Unit 1 Anatomy and Physiology

This unit is an introduction to the basic form and function of birds and the anatomical, physiological and behavioural differences between them and mammals. A brief overview of the avian and reptilian form will also be included. The emphasis will be placed on the important practical implications for the veterinarian.

Unit 2 Husbandry, Care and Advice

Birds come in varying species and are specialised. Each species has differences in husbandry behaviour. This unit looks at the identification of the common species seen, including wildlife species, and their requirements.

Unit 3 Emergency Medicine and Care

Emergency care. How to deal with a sick bird. These birds may be obviously traumatised, or the owner calls about or simply arrives at the veterinary clinic with a fluffed up and quiet bird. This unit will also discuss how to advise these clients over the phone as well as setting up at a veterinary clinic in order to successfully diagnose, treat and house an emergency case.

Unit 4 Handling and Examination

This unit will cover the observation and the handling of birds in order to perform a physical examination as well as the collection of diagnostic samples.

Unit 5 Microscope Diagnosis

Once samples have been collected it is often necessary to diagnose problems in-house utilising a microscope. Videos and photos will be used to help in identification of common parasites and infections.

Unit 6 Radiology

Setting up for avian radiology. How it differs from mammalian radiology. Normal and abnormal radiology to diagnose common problems in pet birds and in avian wildlife.

Unit 7 Common Problems

Many common diseases happen commonly in birds. What do they look like and what are the obvious signs of these including their signalment? Common diseases will be discussed including beak and feather disease (circovirus), chlamydophila, scaly face mites, worms and other parasites.

Unit 8 Biochemistry

The basic differences in avian blood biochemistry are discussed in this unit.

Unit 9 Common syndromes

How to develop an approach to dealing with common syndromes such s watery droppings and feather picking.

Tutor

Dr Alex Rosenwax
BVSc MACVSc(Avian Health)

Alex undertook his veterinary studies with the specific aim of working with birds. This desire stems from an early childhood love for and fascination with birds. After graduating from Veterinary Science in 1991, Alex worked with birds in England, Hong Kong and Australia. He successfully completed the Membership Exams for the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Avian Health in January 1996. Since establishing an all-bird veterinary service in Sydney in November 1996, Alex sees cases from other vets as well as those from pet owners. He is dedicated to providing quality care and treatment for all birds. Rescued and re-homed budgies and cockatiels inhabit a large outdoor aviary, while two large ‘adopted’ parrots (a galah and a Major Mitchell x corella) share his home. He is also experienced in the treatment of various exotic species including fish, reptile and mammalian pocket pets.

Enquiries

Please email the TimeOnline coordinator.