VN May 2023

Vetnews | Mei 2023 35  A blood transfusion may be necessary in more severe cases or where significant blood loss is anticipated (e.g. surgery). Homologous transfusions are ideal, preferably between the same genus, but the same species will give similar results. The half-life of a homologous transfusion is believed to be 6-11 days. On the other hand, heterologous transfusions have a half-life of 3 days or less. Transfusion reactions can occur with repeated transfusions, particularly heterologous transfusions.  Blood may be collected into syringes containing an anticoagulant such as sodium citrate (0.1ml/0.9ml blood), heparin (0.25ml/10mls blood), Acid Citrate Dextrose (0.1ml/0.9ml blood) or Citrate Phosphate Dextrose (0.1ml/0.9ml blood). Up to 10% of the donor’s blood volume (1% of its body weight) can be collected. Once collected, the blood is used within 12 – 24 hours. Nucleated avian erythrocytes are metabolically very active, metabolising fat and protein and consuming 7-10 times more oxygen than mammalian erythrocytes. Consequently, they do not store well.  Transfusions can be given via an indwelling intravenous catheter or intra-osseous catheter. They can be administered as a constant rate infusion over 1-2 hours or a slowbolus over 1-5minutes. Caremust be taken toavoidfluidoverloadwhen using a bolus approach. Hospital Care Hospital care for companion birds requires a veterinary clinic to accommodate their differing requirements – often far removed from those needed by dogs and cats. Some of these requirements are:  Security o Most companion birds are ‘prey’ species, and they do not feel safe or secure when housed near predators, i.e. dogs, cats, birds of prey, and reptiles. o Loud noises and constant movement around a cage can be stressful to a sick bird.  Warmth o Although it is obvious that a hypothermic bird (see above) needs a focal heat source, most companion birds – sick or healthy - are more comfortable in warmer temperatures. Air conditioning, for example, adds to a bird’s energy requirements to maintain its body temperature. o Care must be taken when heating a room so humidity levels do not decrease excessively, predisposing a bird to dehydration.  Biosecurity o Many of the diseases for which birds require hospitalisation are infectious. All hospitalised birds are somewhat stressed and, therefore, likely to be immunocompromised. o Attention must therefore be taken to prevent aerosol or mechanical disease transmission within an avian hospital facility.  Feeding o Most companion birds cannot withstand long periods of food deprivation. Therefore every effort must be made to ensure that hospitalised birds are eating:  No attempt should be made to convert a seriously ill bird to a new diet until it is stable. Eating an unhealthy diet is still better than not eating anything at all.  Favourite foods should be offered in a way that the bird is likely to show interest in o Place food and water bowls in easily accessible places, e.g. the food bowls may need to be placed adjacent to the perch where the bird can easily reach them. o Scattering a small amount of food on the cage floor often encourages a bird to browse and begin eating. o If the patient is not eating but not vomiting or moribund, crop gavage with hand-rearing formula or other appropriate foods can be instituted.  Psychological care o Many companion birds are closely bonded to their owner. In these cases, hospitalisation can result in separation anxiety evidenced by anorexia, lethargy or hyper-excitability. In some cases, feather picking may develop. In these cases, consideration must be given to discharging a patient to home care on the proviso that the bird is returned to the hospital if it fails to improve when back in familiar surroundings. v Technical I Article This article is sponsored by V-Tech