Most Common Eye Disorders in Birds

Bird owners take for granted that birds get diseases too.  Avian eye disorders are often overlooked which could possibly be a symptom of underlying medical problem.  Birds should also be taken to a veterinarian as often as dogs and cats are taken.  Here’s a list of common bird eye disorders.

- Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis is not an unusual occurrence in birds but seem more prevalent among the house finch variety that scientists adapted the name house finch disease.  Avian conjunctivitis will show red, swollen and watery eyes.  In extreme cases, the swollen eyes will crust over so that they’re unable to see.  Although home remedies work, it’s still best to take the bird to a vet for general physical examination.  It was also found that avian conjunctivitis can be passed on to people who work closely with birds.

- Psittacosis is also known as the parrot fever.  It is caused by the bacteria found in bird droppings.  Birds that contract this disease will display breathing difficulties, diarrhea, sleepiness, shivering and weight loss.  Birds that live in crowded cages and have nutritional deficiencies are prone to psittacosis.  It’s easy to pass on the infectious bacteria to other birds so bird carers have to place the sick bird in isolation.  Man can also get infected by the psittaci bacteria without proper hygiene practice. Adding the anti-biotic chorotetracycline to the bird feed and water supply can control the infection.  When cleaning cages, use a disinfectant to the whole area and wash it with water.

-Birds are prone to have cataract when they’ve contracted diabetes, or another eye disease.  Studies also show that trauma, lightning strike, exposure to radiation including microwave and UV rays and the ingestion of toxins can cause cataract in birds.  Birds will have white spots in their eyes which impair their vision.  They become inactive and show hesitance in their movements. If they do move, they bump into things.  Birds that have diabetes will eat excessively and frequently urinate.  It will also tend to scratch at the eye because of discomfort.  In this case, the veterinarian will recommend isolating it from other birds and perform eye tests.  Ultrasonic dissolution of the cataract can only be performed if it is certain that vision can be restored.