by NMGeorge | Jul 20, 2023 | Avian
The upper and lower beak are made of bones (essentially maxilla and mandible), vascular dermis and are covered by a layer of hard keratin. The keratin layer is called the rhamphotheca (maxillary rhamphotheca is called a rhinotheca, and mandibular rhamphotheca is...
by NMGeorge | Jul 6, 2023 | Avian
I’m very excited to be joining forces with Centre for Continuing Education (CVE) @ University of Sydney to offer a TimeOnline course on exotics emergencies in October 2023. This course is designed for vets and will cover receiving, assessing and stabilising an...
by NMGeorge | Jun 29, 2023 | Avian
For some pets, particularly exotics that are prey species, going to the vet and being handled can be very stressful. This stress can cause physiologic changes in the body that can be detrimental. Sedation may be required to alleviate stress in nervous patients...
by NMGeorge | Jun 8, 2023 | Avian
Feather picking must be one of the most frustrating presenting problems that avian vets deal with. And one that is understandably frustrating for bird owners too. Many causes of feather picking have been proposed, including various medical, social,...
by NMGeorge | May 18, 2023 | Avian
Wing clipping is a procedure commonly performed in birds, however, considering the negative implications on birds’ physical and psychological well-being (including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, keel and tail base injuries, osseous lesions, obesity, and...
by NMGeorge | Apr 6, 2023 | Avian
Feathers are a complex modification of hair, but they are truly amazing structures. If it wasn’t for feathers, would we have pens or aeroplanes?? Feather quills were the first writing instruments, before pens came along. And the study of feathers in flight has...