Manual of Avian Practice

Book excerpt: With the aid of algorithms, this practical resource guides practitioners through selecting diagnostics, making a diagnosis, and selecting therapeutics. Features a complete list of differentials and information useful for making difficult diagnoses. Clinical signs are organized by body system for easy reference, and include an introduction to and description of the sign, plus the common causes for groups of birds. An algorithm accompanies each clinical sign to provide quick reference for recommended tests, as well as diagnostic plan and general treatments. References are listed for additional sources of information. A complete list of differential diagnoses and information aids in making difficult diagnoses. A formulary lists doses and treatment intervals for drugs commonly used in avian practice. Appendices address sources of equipment, typical weights of common pet birds, average breeding characteristics of some common psittacine species, toxic plants and plants suitable for use in aviaries, and line drawings of skeletal and visceral anatomy. Numerous illustrations throughout the text clarify important content.