Symptoms of Pneumonia in Parakeets

Pneumonia is caused by an infection of the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci. When a parakeet has pneumonia, the condition is called Chlamydiosis ornithosis. Australian parakeets are vulnerable to bacterial infections and are most susceptible to catching pneumonia. If you suspect that your parakeet has pneumonia, take her to the vet as soon as possible, as she will need antibiotics. If left untreated, the pneumonia can be fatal.

  1. Pneumonia

    • Pneumonia is a bacterial infection located in the lungs. The bacteria that causes it gets into the nose, sinuses and mouth, and then spreads to the lungs, where it multiplies. In severe cases, it can cause fluid to build around the lungs, acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis, which is swelling and irritation in the body that can lead to organ failure. The bacteria that causes pneumonia in birds can be transferred to other birds and even humans. The bacteria that causes pneumonia is spread by feather dust, feces, saliva, nasal discharge and abnormal colored eye secretions. It is transmitted by contact with infected bird droppings, feathers and eggs, and the method of transmission is often inhalation of feather dust or ingestion. Your parakeet can give you pneumonia, so take care to wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling an infected bird, as this will prevent the spread of bacteria.

    Wheezing and Coughing

    • The main symptoms of pneumonia in parakeets is wheezing and coughing due to acute inflammation of the lungs and larynx. A parakeet that has pneumonia will make very short, rapid breaths accompanied by a wheezing or a whistle-like squeaking sound. The rapid breathing may be joined with pronounced tail bobbing at each breath. In addition, your bird will cough up yellow phlegm that may be streaked with blood. The blood is caused by severe irritation of the lung tissue.

    Signs of Symptoms

    • Often, a parakeet with pneumonia has symptoms similar to a cold or influenza, only more severe. These symptoms include fever, coughing and sneezing, discoloration of feathers above the nostrils and excessive sneezing. She may have red swollen eyes with discolored secretions or nostril discharge that is slimy and yellow, that may dry out and become encrusted. In addition, a parakeet with pneumonia has green colored urates and watery or loose droppings that may change color or have parts of undigested seed in them.

    Other Symptoms of Pneumonia

    • Sometimes, an infected parakeet that has pneumonia can appear to be healthy. The only symptom she may have will be a lack of appetite that leads to weight loss, or she may have fluffed-up or puffy feathers for long periods of time. Weakness due to pneumonia will cause a parakeet to stay at the bottom of her cage, and she may be unable to perch or keep her balance. If these are the only symptoms your parakeet has, take her to the veterinarian and ask for her to be tested for pneumonia, just in case.

    Treatment Options

    • A sick parakeet will need to have blood tests, such as an antigen or antibody test, and the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test done by a veterinarian. The vet will look for signs of the presence of bacteria. Once the bacteria has been detected, the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics, such as doxycyline or tetracycline. If your parakeet has pneumonia, she will need to take antibiotics for 45 days. The antibiotics can be injected weekly by the vet, or added to her drinking water. While taking antibiotics, your parakeet shouldn't consume calcium, as it can prevent her body from absorbing and using the antibiotics.