Red Eye in Birds

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Red Eye in Birds

By: Dr. Barbara Oglesbee

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Section: Overview

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will recommend specific diagnostic tests depending on how severe the symptoms are or how long the problem has been going on. Chronic or recurrent redness to the eye or redness accompanied by signs of respiratory disease may require extensive diagnostic testing.

A complete history is extremely helpful in reaching a diagnosis. Be prepared to tell your veterinarian the following:

When the problem began

If the condition has changed

The type of diet your bird is on

Any potential exposure to dust or chemical irritants

Any potential exposure to other birds

Diagnostic Tests

A thorough physical examination

Sampling of the conjunctiva for culture and cytology (looking at cell types for evidence of infection or inflammation)

Sampling the choanal (slit in the roof of the mouth) for culture and cytology

A com

plete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry panel

Blood tests or choanal samples for Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis)

Radiography (X-Rays) to look evidence of sinus infection or destruction of bone

Endoscopy or viewing the choanal, ears or air sacs with a rigid endoscope to collect samples for biopsy or culture

Treatment

Treatment may include any of the following:

Removal of environmental irritants, such as dust, cigarette smoke or bird dander

Humidifying the air in the bird's environment or providing filtration

Antibiotics or anti-fungal medications

Bird showing severe symptoms, especially difficulty breathing, lethargy or loss of appetite may require hospitalization for 24-hour care.

Home Care

If your bird has an increased redness to the eyes and has no other symptoms, you can do the following:

Move your bird to a dust-free environment.

Keep your bird in a separate room away from birds that create a lot of feather dust (cockatoos, cockatiels, African grey parrots).

Do not smoke cigars or cigarettes around your pet.

Filter the air in your bird's environment with a HEPA filter.

If the bird is a tropical species (e.g., Amazon parrot, macaw) provide adequate humidity.

After seeing the veterinarian, be sure to give all medication as directed, for as long as directed, even after the symptoms appear to be gone.

If improvement is not seen, report this to your veterinarian. If the redness is worsening or the bird develops other symptoms, alert your veterinarian immediately.

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