Dr. Rosie DVM

Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.

African Grey Parrot Dog — Clinical Risk Profile | VetTools | VetTools Clinical Intelligence

African Grey Parrot

AVIAN_PSITTACINE· Lifespan: 40-60 years

📋 Breed Predispositions

Condition	Prevalence	Onset	Severity	Screening
Hypocalcemia (Low Blood Calcium)	Very common — breed predisposition	Any age, especially young birds	LIFE THREATENING	Ionized calcium on wellness bloodwork
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)	Susceptible	< 3 years typically	LIFE THREATENING	PCR testing
Aspergillosis	Elevated (stress-related)	Any age	LIFE THREATENING	CT scan, serology (galactomannan), endoscopy of air sacs
Feather Destructive Behavior	~40%	1-5 years	MODERATE RISK	Rule out medical causes first (PBFD, aspergillosis, zinc toxicity)

🩸 Breed-Specific Lab Normals

Test	Breed Normal	General Range	Note
Ionized Calcium	1.0-1.4 mmol/L	N/A (species-specific)	African Greys are predisposed to hypocalcemia. iCa < 0.8 mmol/L = seizure risk. Total calcium is unreliable in birds — always use ionized.
Uric Acid	2-10 mg/dL	N/A	Birds excrete uric acid (not urea). > 15 mg/dL suggests renal disease or severe dehydration. Pre-renal azotemia is common with dehydration.

🏥 Anesthesia Considerations

⚠ No diaphragm — respiratory depression with manual restraint

Never compress keel. Rapid isoflurane induction via mask. Intubate (uncuffed tube). IPPV standard. No fasting > 2 hrs (hypoglycemia). Maintain temp 100-104°F.