Just as many humans suffer from asthma, Macaws can also be afflicted with this respiratory disease. If you own a Macaw you should be aware of the disorder, its symptoms, and how to go about treating and managing it. Here, your Fayetteville, NC veterinarian offers some help.

Causes

The cause of Macaw Asthma is varied. A common reason birds develop it is because of an allergic reaction to the feather dust produced by other birds. If you own another bird, your Macaw could be at an increased risk. Ask your Fayetteville, NC vet more about the causes of asthma in your bird.

Symptoms

Difficulty breathing and nasal discharge are the most common symptoms of Macaw Asthma. If your pet is exhibiting these or any other unusual symptoms, take him or her to your Fayetteville, NC veterinary hospital immediately. Long-term cases can result in significant lung damage and other dangerous side effects, so it’s important to act quickly to get your bird help as soon as possible.

Treatment

Various tests might be needed for your Fayetteville, NC veterinarian to diagnose Macaw Asthma, including blood tests, x-rays, or even a lung biopsy. Once it is diagnosed, Macaw Asthma will be treated with oxygen and certain medications to aid your bird’s breathing. In severe cases, your bird’s blood may need to be thinned to allow it to flow easier with decreased lung function. Your veterinarian will make you aware of any other treatments your bird may need to be given.

Management

Often, maintaining good ventilation in and around your bird’s housing will help greatly with Macaw Asthma. Eliminating the allergen, such as the feather dust from other birds, will help your bird breathe easier. Talk to your Fayetteville, NC veterinarian about your bird’s particular situation—a change in environment or environmental factors will likely need to occur to prevent repeat incidences of this lung disorder.