Meet Basil, an adorable male budgie. Basil was found outside a store and he is most likely a lost aviary bird. When Basil was found he was quite ill but luck was on his side as the person who found him is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator named Ilana. Ilana contacted Cheeky Beaks and we advertised him as a found budgie but unfortunately no one could come forward with proof of ownership for the aviary budgie. In the meantime, Ilana had been treating Basil’s respiratory infection as he had laboured breathing. Basil was being nebulized 3 times a day and his condition would improve slightly but never fully disappeared. Basil had also begun eating foods such as vegetables, sprouts and pellets in addition to seeds. Budgies are very social animals and soon Basil got a best friend named Buddy. They immediately got on. Basil even taught Buddy to eat more healthy foods. Despite Ilana’s best efforts, Basil’s condition declined again and it was time to see a vet for an official diagnosis. The vet confirmed that Basil had a mild case of aspergillosis (which would not be contagious to Buddy).
What is aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis, a non contagious, opportunistic fungal infection, is caused by Aspergillus species. It is also known as a mycotic infection, which may cause fungal pneumonia. An acute presentation of aspergillosis can occur from an overwhelming concentration of fungal spores, whereas a chronic case is typically due to immunosuppression. Aspergillosis initially affects the air sacs because of the bird’s unique respiratory system. The aspergillus fungus is something many birds come into contact with but it only causes illness if a bird’s immune system is suppressed by a concurrent illness, malnutrition or stress. Stress-induced Aspergillosis is frequently seen in birds subjected to surgery, reproduction, environmental changes, capture, confinement or shipping.
Typically, birds present with vague and nonspecific signs such as:
Depression
Inappetence
Difficulty breathing (open-beak breathing)
Tail bobbing
Enlarged nares.
Reluctance to fly/perch
Drooped wings
Lethargy
Basil most likely contracted this fungal infection from eating poor quality seeds in his first home and the stress of escaping his aviary and being lost.
Basil is currently in a ‘hospital’ cage (a travel cage) which is small enough to effectively nebulize him while not affecting Buddy. However, he and Buddy still sit next to each other.
Basil’s story brings some important topics to light. Firstly we need to provide our birds with quality foods (which your local pet store might not offer). Secondly our birds need to be kept in a clean environment where mould and bacteria can’t grow. Lastly, if you find a lost bird (or any pet for that matter) you should take them to your nearest avian vet or licensed animal rehabilitator.
And although Basil might need nebulizing periodically throughout his life, he and Buddy have been adopted by a lovely gentleman who has already done plenty of research, purchased them a very large cage, plenty of toys and perches.
Comments