Bird Flu in Pet Birds

Bird flu in pet birds and poultry birds is one of the most well-known diseases and is also known as Avian flu. It is caused by a form of influenza virus, orthomyxovirus, that usually only infects birds and sometimes infects pigs. Bird flu in pet birds is one of the contageious diseases and is readily transmitted by waterfowl. The highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) epizootic (animal outbreak) in Asia, Europe, the Near East, and Africa is unexpectedly very high. These continents are highly prone to avian influenza in the world. It is likely that H5N1 virus infections among domestic poultry have become endemic in certain areas and that sporadic human infections resulting from direct contact with infected poultry and/or wild birds will continue to occur.

There are more than 100,000 species of birds on the planet, but only a few of them can live with human beings as good companions. Certain species of birds include finches, pigeons, doves, parrots, African Grey parrot, Amazon parrot, caiques, canary, cockatiels, cockatoo, conures, macaws, parrotlet, parakeet, pionus, and rosella. They all are too social, friendly, and intelligent.

There are many chances that bird flu might attack your pet birds. However, there is no influenza A (H5N1) in the United States, there is no risk of bird flu in pet birds. The virus circulating in Asia, Europe and Africa has not yet entered the United States as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But this does not mean that Americans should be care free about their pet birds can never be infected with avian influenza ever. You should be aware of all precautionary measures to prevent Bird flu in pet birds.

Signs And Symptoms Of Bird Flu In Pet Birds:

The symptoms for avian influenza include:

• Lack of appetite
• Breathing problems
• Swelling of the head
• Discharge from the eyes
• Diarrhea
• Depression

Remember, sometimes symptoms does not appear in the birds infected with avian influenza and birds have sudden death. It may cause death in birds within about 48 hours. However, when symptoms begin to appear, treatment should start for emergency basis because fatality rate for bird flu in pet birds is alarmingly high.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dog Arthritis

Dog Arthritis does not appear its clear symptoms in the beginning of ailment. It gradually increases internally and shows prominent signs and symptoms after years and years when arthritis becomes almost impossible to treat in dogs. However, balanced diet and plenty of exercise can alleviate the chances of occurrence of arthritis in dogs. There are different types of dog arthritis and it is not mandatory that this joint disease only appear in older dogs. It can be developed in young dogs as well. So, dog owners should be well informed of following sign and symptoms of dog arthritis.

• Problem in standing and sitting
• Reluctance to jump and run
• Avoid climbing up stairs
• Stiff or sore joints
• Pain in joints
• Unusual Sleep
• Heavy weight
• Shows less interest in playing games
• Clear signs in behavior change such as irritability, severe pain etc.
• Feels pain when one touches
• Stiffness and more pain in wet and cold season

All these signs show that your dog is having arthritis, but it can be confirmed by x-raying the dog’s joints.
Remember! Dog arthritis is not a curable disease, but it can be controlled by physical therapy and weight reduction tips advised by a veterinarian.

Signs And Symptoms Of Illness In Your Pets

Signs and symptoms of illness in your pets are really easy to know and observe. You just have to observe the physical symptoms and behavior changes in your sick pets. Here are the few signs and symptoms that are important to know a pet keeper. I will discuss them one by one.

1. Vomiting and Diarrhoea

Occasional vomiting and diarrhea do not cause serious illness but its recurrence and blood in vomiting and diarrhea are the major signs and symptoms of illness in all pets like dogs, cats, etc.

When your pet vomits several times a day with little gaps, lacks appetite and looks lethargic, you must call in vet. It may cause dehydration in animal’s body and needs immediate attention of a veterinarian.

Bloody Vomits:

One of the signs and symptoms of illness in your pets is blood in the vomit. There are few causes of bloody vomits.

• Gastric ulcers lead to blood in the vomits of animals.
• Swallowing foreign objects like sharp bones, towels, corn corbs, etc, by your pets can cause the irritation of stomach.
• Parasite infections that include hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms also lead to vomiting and diarrhoea in the animals.

Blood in Stool of the Pet:

If your pet releases blood in stools, it means, your pet needs to see the vet.

2. Lack of Appetite

A marked reduction or absent of appetite in your dogs and cats may be due to fever, pain or stress. So, a persistent behavior of not eating food for a long time, you must bring your animal to the veterinarian.

3. Lethargic Behaviour

Decrease in daily activity and show lethargic attitude are the few signs and symptoms of illness in your pets that compel you to visit them to the vet immediately.

4. Excessive Thirst and Urinating Frequently

If you notice that your pet is having thirst more than the routine and urinates more, you must call in the vet because these two symptoms are the major signs of diabetes. But remember, this might be a temporary phase due to hot spell of the weather.

5. Chronic Cough

If coughing persists for many days, you must give attention to your pet and take to the vet for a complete check up. If it is chronic cough and not treated properly, it might lead to heart disease or lung ailment.

These are the few signs and symptoms of illness that your pet can show and you should keep them in your mind because right diagnosis and proper treatment in time can save your lovely pets from major illnesses.