Abnormal Droppings

1. What are the components of a normal dropping?

There are 3 components to the droppings:

  • Fecal component (green to dark green solid part of the droppings)
  • Urates - the solid urine component (usually white in colour)
  • Clear liquid urine

2. What is an abnormal dropping?

· Fewer than normal amount of droppings

· Increase in the number of droppings

· Change in colour or texture of either the fecal component or the urate component

· "Bubbly" looking droppings

3. What causes abnormal droppings?

  • Diet e.g blueberries
  • Intestinal diseases
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver diseases
  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Parasite infections
  • Psittacosis
  • Heavy metal poisoning

4. How will my avian vet know what caused the abnormal droppings?

Your avian veterinarian can run a variety of tests, including

  • blood tests
  • radiographs (X-rays)
  • Gram stain on the droppings for yeast and bacteria
  • microscopic examination of the faeces to check for parasites,
  • Culture the droppings if he suspects a bacterial or yeast infection.

5. Can my bird be treated?

Most birds with abnormal droppings are successfully treated once the cause of the abnormal droppings is detected. As an owner, your cooperation in agreeing to the recommended tests is critical in allowing the veterinarian to correctly diagnose and treat your bird.

 

 

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