The Geriatric Bird

[Lady Jane]

What Is a Geriatric Parrot? – Pet Birds by Lafeber Co.

 

[Lady Jane]

Printing this section by itself as it is very important information to know and understand if your bird is Geriatric.


Age-Related Ailments in Birds
The maximum recorded longevities (MRLs) of wild birds average 1.7 times greater than MRLs of captive mammals, and captive birds on the whole outlive captive mammals by a factor of three. While birds in the wild live much longer than mammals of similar size, birds in the wild do die from diseases associated with old age. Avian diseases of aging are generally similar to those seen in mammals, and include atherosclerosis, neoplasms including cancers, senile ocular cataracts, biochemical alterations in collagen and other connective tissues, and reproductive changes, including neoplasms, malignancies, and endocrinological deficiencies.

According to Zoo/Exotic Pathology Service, which looked back over years of data on older birds, budgerigars and lovebirds were considered older at 6; cockatiels at 12; and larger parrots including Amazons, macaws and cockatoos at 30. In our practice at Bird and Exotic Pet Wellness Center, we are observing these changes at the age of 20!

Cardiac disease has been historically underdiagnosed in pet birds. Atherosclerosis is reported most often in Amazon parrots, particularly in blue-fronted Amazon parrots, African grey parrots, and macaws, according to Drs. Reavill and Dorrestein. Commonly these lesions cause increased arterial resistance that affects the heart. Early changes in the heart include hypertrophy of the left ventricle followed by left ventricular dilation, dilation of the left atria, right heart dilation, and right heart failure. Right heart failure can lead to congestion, atrophy, and, subsequently, cirrhosis of the liver.

Many birds die because of a decreased blood supply to the brain as a result of severe narrowing of the carotid arteries. There may be a history of the bird going through periods of a loss of awareness of their surroundings in the days or weeks before their death. We commonly see parrots that have fallen off their perches and appear dazed for a short period of time, have seizures or changes in mentation. When looking at changes in the skin, the most commonly reported problem is dermatitis followed by skin tumors. Cataracts are common in birds as they age as well.

The lesions of hepatic fibrosis, bile duct reduplication, and aggregates of granulocytic extramedullary hematopoiesis are the typical findings in chronic liver disease in birds. Amazon parrots, cockatiels, macaws, and budgerigars seem to be more commonly recognized with chronic liver disease. Grossly, the affected livers are variably shrunken, pale, and fibrotic. The capsule is often thickened and the edges of the liver are rounded.

Degenerative lesions of the joints are more common in older psittacine birds. Causes include previous trauma or infection, or metabolic conditions, such as gout. Degenerative changes of muscle wasting and joint stiffness were reported in a group of aging macaws and were most prominent in birds over 40 years of age. Joint stiffness was characterized by a limitation in the range of motion of the joints, particularly the hock (intertarsal) joints. There were also twisting deformities that developed at the carpi, causing the primary flight feathers to twist laterally. New studies show that the bone degenerates when birds do not fly.

Ovarian tumors are the most common problem with the reproductive tract in parrots and in males there can be senescence of testes. Concerning the respiratory system, chronic interstitial fibrosis is reported in geriatric parrots and results in exercise intolerance. Pathologic examination revealed loss of functional lung tissue, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, and right heart failure. Hematology revealed an elevated packed cell volume as a result of an increase in erythrocyte size and an increased hemoglobin. These are tests that can be run by your avian veterinarian.

Captive birds are blessed with adaptations that in theory allow them to live up to 3 times their comparably sized mammalian counterparts, but eventually it seems old age can lead them to the same panoply of geriatric diseases, including atherosclerosis, neoplasms, cataracts, connective tissue problems, reproductive changes, kidney failure, and cardiac disease. Like mammals, they can suffer from reduced mentation, dermatitis, skin tumors, liver disease, degenerative joint disease, ovarian tumors, and breathing difficulties.

Different species have different life spans, but geriatric parrots are those that are showing physiological signs characteristic of aging. It is up to us to provide the best care in terms of nutrition, habitat, social interaction, and exercise to ward off the afflictions of advanced age.

 

[BeanieofJustice]

Thank you, this was very informative - it's scary to think they're seeing the signs of aging ten years earlier than expected.

 

[Hankmacaw]

My poor little Jasper is geriatric a 26. So sad that she won't have a normal life span.

 

[EkkieLu]

Thanks for sharing. Sergei has an appointment in June for his annual blood work and what not. I'm going to discuss what I can or should be doing for him as an older gentleman.

 

[Lady Jane]

I really like this write up. How about a forum for geriatric birds!

 

[BeanieofJustice]

I really like this write up. How about a forum for geriatric birds!

I think that's a great idea!

 

[expressmailtome]

I really like this write up. How about a forum for geriatric birds!

Here is a link to the section: Senior Center | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum . It is not used often, but it does exist.

 

[cassiesdad]

...an excellent read...