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Vitamin A is a necessary part of your bird’s diet and without it, he may not be at his best. Vitamin A is found in red, green, and yellow fruits and vegetables. However, often birds are given a seed specific diet which results in a deficiency in vitamins such as A.
Vitamin A plays an important role in the health of your bird and a lack of it can result in skin and feather issues. Vitamin A also helps your bird with his eye health, eyesight, hearing, bones and mucus membranes maintenance. Without vitamin A, your bird may deal with poor growth, respiratory disease, and a lowered immune function. You may not even realize that your bird has a deficit in his vitamin A intake until his health begins to deteriorate.
Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common health issues in birds. This condition results from a diet that lacks vitamin A or is only seed based.
The symptoms you may notice if your bird is experiencing a Vitamin A deficiency can include:
Wheezing - Due to a lowered respiratory tract immunity
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The cause of a Vitamin A deficiency in your bird is often the result of a poor diet.
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Your veterinarian will need a detailed synopsis of your bird’s medical history and will also perform a physical examination, taking note of clinical signs that may be apparent such as weight loss, ocular discharge and foul breath. He may try to observe the abscesses that have formed, and in addition to the viewing, gather a sample of tissue from the respiratory tract for cytological evaluation. Blood tests to determine organ function and analysis of a stool sample to rule out parasites may be suggested. However, based on the delicate nature of most birds, the veterinarian may base the diagnosis on the examination and the discussion of your bird’s current diet.
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Treatment will be based on the severity of your bird’s needs and depending on that, hospitalization may be required. The first goal will be to stabilize him and clear his mouth of all plaque and abscesses found that are preventing him from eating, drinking and breathing correctly. After this, your veterinarian may need to treat secondary or underlying infections your bird has due to his weakened immune and respiratory systems.
Tube feeding may be necessary in order to get your bird back to a stable condition. After your bird is considered well balanced health wise, he will be released with instructions to change to his diet. These changes will include adding more fruits and vegetables such as red peppers, broccoli, carrots (puree them), sweet potatoes, endive, butter, egg yolks, mango and papaya amongst others. A good quality pelleted food will also benefit him, as well as a possible blended diet.
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Fatality is rare due to a Vitamin A deficiency. It may take some time for your bird to get back to being stable; however, with a better diet and ongoing veterinary care he will do well. The long-term prognosis is good despite a relatively long recovery period. Your veterinarian will discuss any follow up appointment needs with you and how to best supplement your bird’s diet to meet all of his nutritional requirements.
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Ask a Vet
Nodo
Budgerigar Budgerigars
7 Years
Mild severity
2 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My budgie has one swollen and little running nostril. She had also suffered from knee joint infection 6 months back which got cured by antibiotic ointment and epsom salt water. Is this because of viatmin a deficiency? If yes what is the stage and what are the chances of recovery if I start giving carrot juice. She however eats apples and cucumber and (at times) spinach. So far she is eating on her own and behaving normally.I Pleasnormally.I am giving her turmeric and basil leaves.
April 13, 2018
Nodo's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
If Nodo is on a balanced food mix, and has those foods as supplements, I would be surprised if she had a vitamin deficiency. She may need antibiotics or another treatment for her little nostril - it would be a good idea to have her seen by a veterinarian who specializes in birds, as they will be able to examine her and determine what might be going on, and give her treatment.
April 13, 2018
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Sugar
Budgerigars
5-8 months
Fair severity
3 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
I can't pay for treatment at a vet for my budgie. She has a small white plaque on the tip of her tongue. Is there anything I can do at home for her besides giving her lots of food in Vitamin A?
Nov. 5, 2017
Sugar's Owner
3 Recommendations
It sounds like it may be hypovitaminosis A or Trichomoniasis; without seeing Sugar I cannot say for sure. I would supplement with multivitamins but also treat for Trichomoniasis to be on the safe side which would be with ronidazole which you may need to speak with your Veterinarian about. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 5, 2017
Sir My birds causes anemic deseasas,plz suggest. My mail ID Kishorekrish5593@gmail.com
Jan. 7, 2018
Kishore K.
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