Acknowledgements. About the Author. Introduction. Part 1: Acute clinical signs of disease. Clinical signs of disease. Signs of disease requiring immediate attention by a veterinary professional. Birds as emergency patients at the veterinary clinic. Observation, physical examination and diagnostic tests.

General stabilization of sick birds. Heat. Fluid therapy. Nutritional support. Oxygen. Analgesia and anesthesia. Part 3: Quick guide for stabilizing birds in case of severe dyspnea, debilitation and shock. Part 4: Specific emergency situations.

Leg band constriction. Bleeding pin feather. Hyperthermia. Bleeding nail or beak tip. Perforating (bite) trauma of the beak. Lacerations and cuts. Bite wound or deep wound caused by claws. Self-mutilation.

Burn injuries. Contact with rodent or insect glue. Oiled birds. Intoxications. Concussion. Cloacal prolapse. Vomiting. Crop stasis.

Seizures. Egg binding / Dystocia. Dyspnea. Falling, abnormal stances and abnormal movements. Paralysis. Abnormal eye or closed eyelids (inability or unwillingness to open the eye). Abnormal position of limbs. Fractures and luxations.

Maxillary hyperextension/palatine bone luxation. Abnormal droppings. Damaged air sac. APPENDICES. Appendix 1 Technique: Handling of birds. Appendix 2 Technique: Subcutaneous, intravenous and intrasosseous infusion, and venipuncture. Appendix 3 X-rays. Appendix 4 Microscopic examination of feces.

Appendix 5 Technique: Placement of crop tube and crop lavage. Appendix 6 Technique: Placement of air sac tube. Appendix 7 Technique: Imploding eggs. Appendix 8 Technique: Applying (splint) bandages. Appendix 9 Technique: Ingluviotomy. Appendix 10 Table of (possibly) poisonous plants. Appendix 11 Psittacosis. Appendix 12 Disorders of calcium metabolism.

Appendix 13 First aid kit at home. Appendix 14 Extra 'avian' veterinary materials. Appendix 15 Formulary. Appendix 16 Biochemistry reference intervals. Appendix 17 Anatomy.