Avian conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye” in birds, is a common condition that affects the eyes of pet birds. This condition causes inflammation and redness in the lining of their eyelids and can cause discomfort and pain. In some cases, avian conjunctivitis can lead to serious complications, including blindness.
The most common cause of avian conjunctivitis is bacterial infection, usually caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. This type of bacteria is normally found living on a bird’s skin and feathers, but if it enters their conjunctiva (their eyes), it can cause infection and inflammation. Other possible causes of avian conjunctivitis include fungal infections, exposure to irritants or allergens, physical eye trauma, or a weakened immune system due to disease or malnutrition.
Finches are most likely to catch conjunctivitis, but know one really knows why that is. Fortunately humans aren’t affected by it.
Symptoms of Avian Conjunctivitis
The most common symptom of avian conjunctivitis is redness and inflammation of the lining of their eyelids. Other symptoms can include:
- Eye discharge
- Eyelid swelling
- Crusting around their eyes
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Irritation or discomfort when opening their eyes
If left untreated, avian conjunctivitis can cause permanent damage to their eyes, including blindness. It’s important to get veterinary help if you notice any of the above symptoms in your bird.
Diagnosing Avian Conjunctivitis
In order to properly diagnose conjunctivitis, your veterinarian will need to examine your bird’s eyes and perform laboratory tests. The tests can include culturing the discharge from their eyes or taking a sample of cells from their eye itself. Your veterinarian could also recommend additional tests to determine if there are any underlying causes of their condition.
Stages of Avian Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis typically progresses through three stages:
Stage 1
The initial stage of the infection is associated with the lining of their eyelids being red and inflamed.
Stage 2
During this stage, a sticky yellow or greenish-yellow discharge can begin to form around their eyes. This discharge can cause their eyelids to become crusty and swollen.
Stage 3
In the final stage of conjunctivitis, the infection can spread to other parts of their eye, such as the cornea, causing ulceration and further damage. Permanent vision loss is possible if not treated promptly.
Treating Avian Conjunctivitis
Treating conjunctivitis will depend on the underlying cause. Antibiotic or antifungal medications can be prescribed to fight off the infection, while other treatments, like corticosteroids, could be used to reduce inflammation and swelling. In some cases, surgery might be necessary in order to remove any damaged tissue or foreign objects from their eyes.
It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely and give your bird the full course of their medications in order to prevent any further problems.
Preventing Avian Conjunctivitis
The best way to prevent avian conjunctivitis is to ensure that your bird’s environment is clean and free of irritants or allergens. It’s important to keep your bird’s diet balanced and feed them a nutritious diet in order to prevent their immune system from weakening. Finally, it’s important to monitor your bird for any signs of eye irritation or infection and seek prompt veterinary care if any symptoms are present.