Feather Plucking - Revision history

Bara at 14:27, 20 July 2012

2012-07-20T14:27:00Z

Bara: /* Treatment */

2011-08-21T23:15:21Z

Treatment

Bara: /* References */

2011-08-02T15:50:01Z

References

Bara: /* Introduction */

2011-08-02T15:49:39Z

Introduction

Bara: /* References */

2011-08-02T15:48:03Z

References

Bara at 15:47, 2 August 2011

2011-08-02T15:47:12Z

Show changes

Siobhanbrade at 14:38, 29 July 2011

2011-07-29T14:38:34Z

Siobhanbrade: Created page with "==Introduction== Feather-plucking is a '''common''' presenting sign in birds. Underlying causes are often '''multifactorial''', so diagnosis and treatment of several of the contr..."

2011-07-28T17:21:11Z

Created page with "==Introduction== Feather-plucking is a '''common''' presenting sign in birds. Underlying causes are often '''multifactorial''', so diagnosis and treatment of several of the contr..."

New page

==Introduction==
Feather-plucking is a '''common''' presenting sign in birds. Underlying causes are often '''multifactorial''', so diagnosis and treatment of several of the contributing factors may be necessary to produce resolution of clinical signs. It is best to rule out '''medical''' causes before diagnosing the feather-plucking as '''behavioral''' in origin, therefore a thorough work-up is indicated including a detailed history, physical and dermatological exam. '''Referral''' may be considered.

Individual tests such as; '''haemotology''', '''biochemistry''', '''heavy metal testing''', '''sexing''', '''skin acetates''', '''pulp cytology''' and '''faecal staining''' should all be performed in the initial work up to guide diagnosis. Additional tests that should be considered are; ''Chlamydophila'' testing, circovirus testing, coeloscopy, radiography, skin biopsy, crop biopsy and faecal flotation (for ''Giardia'' and other helminths).

The causes of feather-plucking can be divided up into three categories:

(1) '''Infectious, contagious or transmissible causes'''

(2)''' Non-infectious and metabolic cause'''

(3) '''Psychological causes'''

=Infectious, contagious or transmissible causes of feather plucking=
* PBFD (circovirus)
* Budgerigar fledgeling disease (Polyomavirus: French moult)
* Ectoparasites (e.g. Dermanyssus gallinae)
* Endoparasites (e.g. Giardia sp.)
* Chlamydiosis
* Fungal dermatitis

==Diagnosis==
'''PCR''' for PBFD and BFD; '''physical examination''' at day and night for ectoparasites; '''faecal examination''' for endoparasites; '''PCR/ELISA''' (antigen/antibody) for chlamydiosis; '''skin scrape''' microscopic examination and '''culture''' for fungal dermatitis; '''stained impression smear''', '''culture''' and '''sensitivity''' for bacterial infections. Also, '''haematology''' and '''biochemistry''', '''thyroid stimulation test''', '''biopsy''' and '''histopathology''', improved '''diet''' and '''monitoring response to therapy'''.

==Treatment==
Treatment is dependent on the individual underlying infection.

=Non-infectious and metabolic causes of feather plucking=
* Bacterial dermatitis
* Pulpitis or folliculitis
* Allergy
* Hepatitis
* Hypothyroidism
* Skin neoplasia
* Follicular cysts
* Post-traumatic injury, or arthritic or scar tissue pain
* Nutritional deficiency (e.g. hypovitaminosis A; B vitamin deficiencies) and essential amino acid deficiencies (e.g. lysine))

==Diagnosis==
This should be based on a combination of '''history''', '''clinical signs''' and the results of preliminary and secondary '''test results''' as mentioned above.

==Treatment==
Treatment is dependant on the individual underlying cause.

=Psychological causes of feather plucking=
* Attention seeking
* Boredom and separation anxiety
* Overcrowding
* Environmental change or lack of routine
* Sexual frustration
* Excessive preening
* Post untidy feather or wing clipping.

==Diagnosis==
The psychological plucker presents as a '''clinically normal bird''' in all respects '''except for its plumage'''. Bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, chlamydial and metabolic aetiologies for feather plucking should be ruled out. The feathers on the '''head''' are totally '''normal''' (if head feathers are affected disease is most likely caused by an circovirus, bacterial or yeast infection). It is most common in '''hand-reared''' birds and plucking is often only done in the '''presence of the owner'''.

Reproductive hormonal pressure ''aka'' '''sexual frustration''' is the most common cause of psychological feather-plucking. It often begins to cause picking in young birds that are '''bonded''' to their '''owner''' even before reaching what is thought to be natural reproductive age.
The hormonal drive provides a natural incentive for the young bird to try to achieve a status in the '''dominance hierarchy of the flock'''. This will lead to success in obtaining a mate, holding territory and having access to adequate food, so that it is able to reproduce.
Captive birds often mature earlier than wild birds, especially when the owner is providing all the necessary advantages as well as stimulating it with a close bond. Consequently the bird reaches reproductive maturity but the ‘mate’ is not responding in the manner that will result in the production of offspring. This often leads to ‘'''displacement behaviour'''’ such as '''feather picking''', '''screaming''' or '''aggression'''.

==Treatment==

Attention seeking should be '''discouraged''' by the owner by '''ignoring''' the bird when it is feather plucking, and then fussing it when it has stopped. Gradually the bird should learn not to feather pluck.

Boredom and separation anxiety should be managed by providing various '''bird toys''' and '''encouraging independent play'''. Ideally the bird should be '''tired out''' by activities such as bathing and play prior to the owner leaving the house. Leaving on a '''radio''' or '''television''' may also help with separation anxiety.

Overcrowding should clearly be managed by '''reducing the number of birds per cage''', or providing the bird with a '''larger cage'''.

Over-preening is considered a type of '''obsessive-compulsive behavior'''. To counteract this, the bird should be encouraged to '''play''' independently and any '''objects''' it may be scared of should be '''removed'''. The '''cage''' may also require '''re-positioning'''. As for attention-seeking, the behavior should not be encouraged. '''Anti-compulsive medication''' may be used.

For birds suffering from reproductive hormonal pressure, some success has been achieved with the administration of '''progesterones''' to decrease the hormonal pressurein sexually frustrated birds but some treated birds become obese, suffer from polyuria/polydipsia, diabetes mellitus or develop hepatic lipidosis. Recently, '''human chorionic gonadotrophin''' (HCG) (500–1000 IU kg-1 i.m.) has shown promise in providing effective, short-term resolution, especially in African grey parrots and cockatoo hens. There have been no reports of adverse reactions with this treatment but it is not always reliable.
'''Tranquillizing agents''' – such as haloperidol – and '''psychotropic agents''' – such as clomipramine and Prozac – have shown some limited effectiveness in some individual cases. These medications can only provide a temporary solution and should be used in combination with '''behaviour modification techniques''' and '''changes in the bird’s environment''' to provide a more reliable response.
'''Petting''' on the bird’s back and intimate cuddling should be '''reduced or eliminated'''. For the '''owner''' to '''assert dominance''' the '''bird''' should be maintained '''below human chest height'''. The cage may be moved to a location away from the main traffic area to reduce the anxiety of seeing the owner without being cuddled. The '''length of the day may be shortened''' by covering the cage earlier in the evening and, in the case of females, surgical '''removal of the oviduct''' may provide the best long-term solution. In some cases, the picking becomes a habit, even though the original cause is resolved and long-term, '''anti-compulsive medication''' may be indicated.

==References==
Forbes NA & Altman RB (1998) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Avian Medicine''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''

Chitty, J (2003) '''Feather plucking in psittacine birds 1. Presentation and medical investigation''' ''In Practice 2003 25: 484-493''

Chitty, J (2003) '''Feather plucking in psittacine birds 2. Social, environmental and behavioural considerations''' ''In Practice 2003 25: 550-55''

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]
[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ==Introduction==
 Feather-plucking is a '''common''' presenting sign in birds. Underlying causes are often '''multifactorial''', so diagnosis and treatment of several of the contributing factors may be necessary to produce resolution of clinical signs. It is best to rule out '''medical''' causes before diagnosing the feather-plucking as '''behavioral''' in origin, therefore a thorough work-up is indicated including a detailed history, physical and dermatological exam. '''Referral''' may be considered.
@@ Line 116: / Line 117: @@
 {{review}}
 [[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Birds]]
 [[Category:Expert Review - Bird]]

@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 {{Learning
-|flashcards = [[Avian Medicine Q&A 04]]
+|flashcards = [[Avian Medicine Q&A 04]]<br>[[Avian Medicine Q&A 20]]
 }}

@@ Line 116: / Line 116: @@
 {{review}}
-[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Birds]]]]
+[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Birds]]
 [[Category:Expert Review - Bird]]

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 Feather-plucking is a '''common''' presenting sign in birds. Underlying causes are often '''multifactorial''', so diagnosis and treatment of several of the contributing factors may be necessary to produce resolution of clinical signs. It is best to rule out '''medical''' causes before diagnosing the feather-plucking as '''behavioral''' in origin, therefore a thorough work-up is indicated including a detailed history, physical and dermatological exam. '''Referral''' may be considered.
-Individual tests such as; '''haemotology''', '''biochemistry''', '''heavy-metal testing''', '''sexing''', '''skin acetates''', '''pulp cytology''' and '''faecal staining''' should all be performed in the initial work up to guide diagnosis. Additional tests that should be considered are; [[Chlamydophila psittaci|''Chlamydophila'']] testing, circovirus testing, coeloscopy, radiography, skin biopsy, crop biopsy and faecal flotation (for ''[[Giardia]]'' and other helminths).
+Individual tests such as; '''haemotology''', '''biochemistry''', '''heavy-metal testing''', '''sexing''', '''skin acetates''', '''pulp cytology''' and '''faecal staining''' should all be performed in the initial work up to guide diagnosis. Additional tests that should be considered are; [[Chlamydophila psittaci|''Chlamydophila'']] testing, circovirus testing, coeloscopy, radiography, skin biopsy, crop biopsy and faecal flotation (for ''[[Giardia]]'' and [[:Category:Helminths|helminths]]).
 The causes of feather-plucking can be divided up into four categories:

@@ Line 117: / Line 117: @@
 {{review}}
 [[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Birds]]]]
-[[Category:Expert Review - Birds]]
+[[Category:Expert Review - Bird]]

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 Feather-plucking is a '''common''' presenting sign in birds. Underlying causes are often '''multifactorial''', so diagnosis and treatment of several of the contributing factors may be necessary to produce resolution of clinical signs. It is best to rule out '''medical''' causes before diagnosing the feather-plucking as '''behavioral''' in origin, therefore a thorough work-up is indicated including a detailed history, physical and dermatological exam. '''Referral''' may be considered.
-Individual tests such as; '''haemotology''', '''biochemistry''', '''heavy metal testing''', '''sexing''', '''skin acetates''', '''pulp cytology''' and '''faecal staining''' should all be performed in the initial work up to guide diagnosis. Additional tests that should be considered are; ''Chlamydophila'' testing, circovirus testing, coeloscopy, radiography, skin biopsy, crop biopsy and faecal flotation (for ''Giardia'' and other helminths).
+Individual tests such as; '''haemotology''', '''biochemistry''', '''heavy-metal testing''', '''sexing''', '''skin acetates''', '''pulp cytology''' and '''faecal staining''' should all be performed in the initial work up to guide diagnosis. Additional tests that should be considered are; ''Chlamydophila'' testing, circovirus testing, coeloscopy, radiography, skin biopsy, crop biopsy and faecal flotation (for ''Giardia'' and other helminths).
 The causes of feather-plucking can be divided up into three categories:
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 (2)''' Non-infectious and metabolic cause'''
-(3) '''Psychological causes'''
+(3) '''Environmental causes'''
 =Infectious, contagious or transmissible causes of feather plucking=
@@ Line 21: / Line 24: @@
 ==Diagnosis==
-'''PCR''' for PBFD and BFD; '''physical examination''' at day and night for ectoparasites; '''faecal examination''' for endoparasites; '''PCR/ELISA''' (antigen/antibody) for chlamydiosis; '''skin scrape''' microscopic examination and '''culture''' for fungal dermatitis; '''stained impression smear''', '''culture''' and '''sensitivity''' for bacterial infections. Also, '''haematology''' and '''biochemistry''', '''thyroid stimulation test''', '''biopsy''' and '''histopathology''', improved '''diet''' and '''monitoring response to therapy'''.
+* '''PCR''' should be performed to diagnose PBFD and BFD
 ==Treatment==
@@ Line 43: / Line 53: @@
 Treatment is dependant on the individual underlying cause.
-=Psychological causes of feather plucking=
+=Environmental causes of feather plucking=
 * Attention seeking
 * Boredom and separation anxiety
 * Overcrowding
-* Environmental change or lack of routine
+* Environmental change or poor routine
 * Excessive preening
-* Post untidy feather or wing clipping.
+* Secondary to untidy feather or wing clipping.
 ==Diagnosis==
 The psychological plucker presents as a '''clinically normal bird''' in all respects '''except for its plumage'''. Bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, chlamydial and metabolic aetiologies for feather plucking should be ruled out. The feathers on the '''head''' are totally '''normal''' (if head feathers are affected disease is most likely  caused by an circovirus, bacterial or yeast infection). It is most common in '''hand-reared''' birds and plucking is often only done in the '''presence of the owner'''.
-Reproductive hormonal pressure ''aka'' '''sexual frustration''' is the most common cause of psychological feather-plucking. It often begins to cause picking in young birds that are '''bonded''' to their '''owner''' even before reaching what is thought to be natural reproductive age.
+Reproductive hormonal pressure ''aka'' '''sexual frustration''' is the most common cause of psychological feather-plucking. It often begins to when young birds that '''bonded''' to their '''owner''' which can occur earlier than what is thought to be the natural reproductive age.
-The hormonal drive provides a natural incentive for the young bird to try to achieve a status in the '''dominance hierarchy of the flock'''. This will lead to success in obtaining a mate, holding territory and having access to adequate food, so that it is able to reproduce.
+Hormonal influences cause the young bird try and gain '''dominance'''over the other members of the flock'''. This relates to behavior in the wild which would result in the bird obtaining a mate, holding territory and having access to enough food, which in turn would allow it to reproduce.
-Captive birds often mature earlier than wild birds, especially when the owner is providing all the necessary advantages as well as stimulating it with a close bond. Consequently the bird reaches reproductive maturity but the ‘mate’ is not responding in the manner that will result in the production of offspring. This often leads to ‘'''displacement behaviour'''’ such as '''feather picking''', '''screaming''' or '''aggression'''.
+Captive birds mature more quickly than wild birds, because the owner is providing it with food etc and giving it attention, resulting in a close bond between the two. However, the ‘mate’/owner does not responding in the appropriate manner to the sexually mature bird. ‘'''Displacement behaviour'''’ such as '''feather picking''', '''screaming''' or '''aggression''' develops as a response to this.
 ==Treatment==
 Attention seeking should be '''discouraged''' by the owner by '''ignoring''' the bird when it is feather plucking, and then fussing it when it has stopped. Gradually the bird should learn not to feather pluck.
@@ Line 66: / Line 100: @@
 Overcrowding should clearly be managed by '''reducing the number of birds per cage''', or providing the bird with a '''larger cage'''.
 Over-preening is considered a type of '''obsessive-compulsive behavior'''. To counteract this, the bird should be encouraged to '''play''' independently and any '''objects''' it may be scared of should be '''removed'''. The '''cage''' may also require '''re-positioning'''. As for attention-seeking, the behavior should not be encouraged. '''Anti-compulsive medication''' may be used.
 ==References==