Bird Doctor Blog

Baby Swan

2006-06-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Video clip of recent case- pneumonia in baby swans

BabySwanVideo

Knemidocoptes mites (skin- not feather)

2006-06-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

More common in budgies, but we still think reduction in immunity or nutritional status activates the disease.

Knemidocoptes mites

2006-06-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Here are his legs.

Knemicoptes mites

2006-06-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This captive-bred lilac-crowned amazon has scaly face/leg mites. Extremely rare in South American parrots. As such patients usually have underlying health issues, the investigation is ongoing.

Nikko

2006-06-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Is in for an ear discharge.

battered

2006-06-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

another elderly cockatiel, probably in kidney failure, severely battered by roommate sun conure (share a bird room).

Burns

2006-06-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Poor thing (cockatiel) flew into boiling water- what is left of feet 2 weeks later.

yellowing syndrome

2006-06-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

In an older cockatiel, associated with liver disease and malnutrition.

Turbo again (weeks later)

2006-05-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Turbo is about 20 years old and one-legged. The "good leg" is lame- there is swelling due to articular gout (renal disease) and mineralized tendons.
Turbo is responding clinically to initial therapy but kidney function is unchanged.

Self- mutilation

2006-05-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This girl has had a recent problem chewing on her flesh and has required surgery twice; in addition to pain and behavioral management.

Gecko Prolapse closeup

2006-05-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

When excited

Gecko

2006-05-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Recurrent cloacal/rectal prolapse. Had to worm several times- it has improved somewhat.

Big Turkey

2006-05-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Marked lower limb arthritis and obesity, managed with anti-flammatories and change of diet.

Crow Attack

2006-05-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Presumed- this tiel is recovering (and was found) from attack in the wilds.

Turbo

2006-05-15T06:24:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Has had recurrent airsac inflation under the eye, probably due to respiratory infection

Wing

2006-05-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This girl has had recurrent problems with a stubby wing; previously had a hysterectemy.

Frosty

2006-05-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

The swan- treated with radiotherapy for hemangiosarcmoa 4 years ago recurred with a little beak lesion. Another biopsy suggested that the malignant tumor has not returned.

Tom

2006-02-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

We first treated Tom the Koi last summer. He recently got sluggish- and developed skin lesions. As a result of tests, Tom is responding to injections.

Lena the cockatiel

2006-02-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

No this isn't Lena- it is a thin-shelled egg from her. Despite increasing levels of inhibitory hormones, Lena continues to lay eggs. First treated 10 years ago surgically for a serious sinus infection, Lena insists on laying eggs. We are still working on acceptance of diet, behaviorial , and environmental issues which are so important.

Snowflake

2006-02-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

The swan- we diagnosed hemangiosarcoma of beak in 2000 and the patient was referred for radiation therapy- the lesion resolved. The black spot returned and Snowflake is under anesthesia for re-biopsy.

Nanday conure

2006-02-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Older bird with fluid-filled neck mass-probably associated with a tumor

Yearling swan

2006-02-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Possibly attacked by a fox with injury to tip of wing.

Here's the egg

2006-02-04T19:13:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

It never would have come out without intervention.

Eggbound

2006-02-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This Sun Conure was eggbound for probably a week. We had to do an "episiotomy" to remove the egg.

Pediatric visit

2006-02-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Newborn budgerigar (common parakeet)

Fractured Tibiotarsal bone

2006-02-04T19:07:00.002-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

A roommate error, coupled with seed malnutrition- and now a broken leg. Just after splint procedure.

Cloacal prolapse/oviductal prolapse surgery

2006-02-04T19:07:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Just finished. This older female Yellow-Naped Amazon is starting to stir after the procedure.

I am ready to go home

2006-02-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Here she is on her feet

Say ahh

2006-02-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Pretty red throat

Timneh African Grey

2006-02-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Making himself at home.

Hector

2006-02-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This splendid parakeet (Neophema) had a persistent inflamed feather follicle. Biopsy (after surgical excision) showed it was a hemangioma (benign blood vessel tumor).

hataki

2006-01-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

New bird exam; picture from owner's collection. Beautiful featheration of this Blue-Headed Pionus

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2006-01-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Canary under anesthesia being prepped for surgical removal of large feather cyst.

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2006-01-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Zenu is almost 3 years old and is being treated for acute feather picking. Well-trained and well-fed, we are working on strategies to reduce inappropriate behaviors and stress, in addition to temporary hormone treatment for this young man.

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2006-01-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Paco the Mexican Red Head (Green Cheek) Amazon is about 20 years old. Well loved and well-fed, Paco has had an improving saprophytic feather fungus.

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2006-01-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

White's tree frog in for an eye problem

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2006-01-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Julie the Pacific Parrotlet is feather picking. We found Avian Gastric Yeast (megabacteria) which can be a serious disease but probably not related to this problem. A leading viral problem has been ruled out and we are addressing the nutrition; not sure if behaviorial issues are involved at this point.

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2006-01-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Martine the Mouse, is itchy and has dermal mites.

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2006-01-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

J.P. evaluated at his condo for oral absces with Xrays and culture.

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2006-01-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

"KFC" the umbrella cockatoo in to evaluate sneezing.

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2006-01-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Checkup for Beazer in Elk Grove. Beautiful and cherished Blue and Gold Macaw.

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2005-11-28T06:05:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Beutiful, shy young orange-winged Amazon in for post-purchase exam.

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2005-11-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This girl needed surgical repair of self mutilation lesion. We are working on changes in behaviorial, environmental, and nutritional management to ameliorate this problem.

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2005-11-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Falcon in for a health certificate exam.

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2005-11-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This little guy had a chronic, now resolved sinus infection but the enlarged nostril is usually permanent.

Brown Hypertrophy of the Cere

2005-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

The brownish proliferation near nostrils associated with an estrogenic budgie, meaning more at risk for egg-laying issues, particularly on a seed diet.

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2005-10-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

The prolapse has been replaced and the area is being prepped for suturing it to the body wall.

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2005-10-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Jake is an older Double-Yellow Headed Amazon. She has been laying eggs over a period of time and prolapsed her cloaca. She is being anesthetized.

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2005-10-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Dewey the Lovebird- an example of what a proper diet (formulated) can effect feather quality (look at those colors).

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2005-10-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This girl has a conjunctivitis due to Chlamydophila

canary feet

2005-10-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This guy has been a happy singer for 3 years. Physical examination found a markedly obese bird with foot lesions (pressure sores) and also tasselfoot (a canary Knemidocoptes mite). His liver is enlarged. A blood panel suggests fatty liver disorder. We are providing medical, pain, nutritional and "podiatric" management.

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2005-10-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Another Aracana/Silkie cross in a background family chicken flock breaking with Knemidocoptes dermal mites. She will be receiving an injection.

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2005-10-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Corn snakes are a great choice for an easy to care for pet snake. This guy has been trouble-free for 3 years, but has developed a deep bacterial dermatitis, associated with contaminated substrate.

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2005-10-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Rainbow, a Grey-cheeked parakeet, in a for a beak trim. This has been a congenital problem

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2005-10-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

25 year old Slender-billed conure- chronic feather disorder and malnutrition.

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2005-10-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Same conure- long ago lower beak fracture, such that two sides don't meet. Successful repair is only possible when the bird is treated within a few hours of the injury. This guy has gotten by in spite.

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2005-10-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This Blue-Crowned Conure showed up at owner's house a dozen years ago.

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2005-10-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This Cherry-Headed conure lives with a Blue-Crown Conure, who proivdes the "barbering service." We are striving to improve the nutrition of this lot.

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2005-10-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Beak growth abnormality in this Umbrella Cockatoo. Most commonly associated with malnutrition and/or liver disease; traumatic or congenital causes occur occasionally also.

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2005-10-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Cute young English budgie in for a check up. Among a few other new budgie issues, we are particularly concerned about ruling out Avian Gastric Yeast (aka megabacteria), which is somewhat more common in this breed of budgie.

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2005-10-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Follow-up on earlier this month goose/raccoon victim. Wing is healing post-surgery but due to loss of some muscles- scar tissue is forming where tissue grafts weren't possible

Zebra Finch

2005-10-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This guy is with other finches and presented with a swollen and sick foot. Exam findings suggest a previous fiber constriction from nesting materials. Anti-infectives and anti-inflammatories have been prescribed.

New Sun Conure

2005-10-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Soleil is two 2 days from store; 4.5 months old and losing weight; eating little. Enthusiastic and all but not eating. White cell counts were elevated. Soleil was found to be positive for Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) and is responding well to treatment. This bird was tested by the store's source 8 weeks previously as negative but has been in store for 2 months and passed around.

Conference coming

2005-09-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

Dr. Fudge will be atttending a conference Oct 7-8, 2005. No appointments will be available Oct 7-8, 2005

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2005-09-24T19:12:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Mackey, frontal view

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2005-09-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Mackey was previously worked up for a chronic beak infection and is still on a dreadful diet. He is 20+ years old. The beak damage from the infection is probably permanent, but we still hope to improve his health.

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2005-09-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Prunella is down from Chico for a checkup.

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2005-09-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Post-surgical wrap.

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2005-09-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This poor goose apparently had his wing chewed on by a predator but isn't broken.
He is under anesthesia for sliding graft to cover the exposed muscle and tendons.

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2005-09-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Sparky has chronic skin thickening suggesting the feather picking has been going on for awhile.
Blood tests suggests some liver issues. Follow up plan: 1) nutritional improvement 2) behavior/socialization training, 3) testing for the sinus problem

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2005-09-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Sparky's underside showing feather loss

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2005-09-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Sparky is 20-something. First veterinary exam ever. Acute onset of feather picking. Dreadful diet.
Note the nare erosion on his right, indicative of a chronic sinus infection.

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2005-09-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This retail Sun Conure has failed to thrive, first with a yeast infection. Now blood tests suggests another kind of infection.

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2005-09-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This silkie cross has Knemicoptes mange mites. This backyard flock has not been changed in over 5 years, so the mite was latent. We suspect malnutrition (chicken scratch base) led to the active form.

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2005-09-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This poor canary was attacked by a cat, however this is blunt trauma inside the cage.

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2005-09-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Pebbles, Orange-Winged Amazon has an overgrown beak. This is usually due to liver disease or malnutrition. Pebbles is on a good diet and is young. Blood tests showed elevated fats. Subsequently we are reducing the nuts fed in addition to the formulated diet.

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2005-09-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This girl broke her beak tip off. Pain is the biggest concern.

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2005-09-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Retail cockatiel, chronic weight loss. Finally weaned; wormed due to origin.

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2005-09-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Hypatia, the goffin cockatoo- home visit to Sacramento. She is flying back to St. Louis with her owners.

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2005-09-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Followup on Tom the koi. Tail lesions resolving but some lateral ulcers need to fill up and heal also.

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2005-09-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

This girl presented with a history of open -mouth breathing.
We found a distended abdomen, with fluid. Last egg-laying was 4-5 years ago.
Diet so-so.

This is typically caused by a retained soft-shelled egg, requiring abdominal surgery.

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2005-09-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Martin the Warrior (mouse) in for a new pet exam. We found intestinal parasites.

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2005-09-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Jezebel, the Bearded Dragon in for a new lizard checkup and a blood panel.

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2005-09-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Young Sun Conure having trouble weaning. Has a yeast infection.

Beazer

2005-08-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Gorgeous and cherished Blue and Gold Macaw "Beazer" of Elk Grove. A visit for routine checkup, blood tests and "grooming."

Stuffy

2005-08-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Blue-headed pionus with chronic sinus infection that owner is okay with, after beak trim. Beak trims are typically unnecessary except in parrots with congenital or traumatic beak disease, or more commonly with nutritional or medical problems.

Koi

2005-08-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Here is a closeup of the necrotic (tissue damage/degeneration) tail of Tom.

Koi pond

2005-08-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Off to Gold River to see a koi carp, part of a 7 year-old well-managed pond. Severe tail infection secondary to another problem. Tests indicated appropriate injectable antibiotics now being administered by owners.

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2005-08-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Tanami (green iguana) was examined due to lethargy and a growth in ear canal. Blood tests were unremarkable. Culture suggested an infection which is being treated. Some of these require surgery but xray or ultrasound can provide further information.

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2005-08-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Notice that Oleg's right foot has a swelling. I did a blood test at the home visit which showed that this guy is in kidney failure.
While this problem is preventable, Oleg is almost 25 years old which is an above avergage life span for a cockatiel on any diet.

Exam Interval

2005-08-20T19:22:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

I last examined Oleg in early 1981 (we do recommend regular checkups).
He has been lame for a few weeks.

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2005-08-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Yes this cockatiel is actually named Peep also. Seen at our Folsom location (an out of towner), Peep presented with a growing mouth lesion. Primarily fungal in origin, these commisure growths are typically associated with malnutrition. In spite of fresh and organic foods in addition to seed, multiple nutrient deficiencies resulted in this problem.
We provided some resources to help Peep accept a balanced (formulated) diet, in addition to medicatio for the infection.

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2005-08-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Lollypop is a parrotlet- on third visit. Initial history was that the daughter's hair constricted the foot. First time- the injury was so severe that hemorrhage control was most important. Next time the "hair" was cut under magnification with more bandaging and medication.
Now the back of foot is healing with some tendon damage. It appears that the fiber is actually acrylic or polyester.
Lollypop is now doing very well on her new balanced diet.

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2005-08-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Benny is a 21 year old African Grey parrot needing periodic beak work. The incidence and need for this has decreased markedly over the past 4 years due to nutritional and health changes.

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2005-08-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Peep was first seen over a year ago for an apparent night fright type injury, requiring anesthesia and wound treatment. For months, just fine and diet fine tuned; even recently checkup.
Acute episode of apparent self trauma to equivalent of wing below the wrist.

Meyer's Parrot

2005-08-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Newest of a 3- Meyer's Parrot household visit exam/checkup.

Heads and Tails

2005-08-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Sue is a captive-bred but wild and stressed African Grey parrot. Diet has been corrected but another bout of self-mutilation. Crisis management includes hormones, pain meds and antibiotics with long-term plan for training and socilization.

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2005-08-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

Choo Choo is an out of town, slightly crazed, 21 year old goffin cockatoo. The leading human half of flock leadership passed on last year. He has bouts of feather-damaging behavior and today bit his tongue.

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2005-08-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

The Canadian doesn't have the same sort of joint problem. Initial diagnostic assessment suggests systemic illness (possibly Pasteurella). He is getting injections my owner.

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2005-08-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by pugacre.

The young swan being treated for mycoplasma arthritis is doing well and growing.