Changes

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.

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:  

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