Table of Contents

Abstract

Introduction

1. Senescence

1.1 The Effect of Social Isolation on Senescence: A Study
1.2 Rate of Senescence in Birds
 

2. Lifespan and Longevity

2.1 The Effect of Flight on Lifespans
2.2 Geriatric Ages and Maximum Lifespans of Companion Birds
2.3 Life Expectancy of Some Companion Bird Species as of 1982
2.4 Species 360 Lifespan Study of 2014
2.5 Extended Lifespan of Birds Today
2.6 Clues for Determining the Age of a Bird
 

3. Immunosenescence - The Effect of Aging on the Immune System
 

4. Diseases and Conditions Frequently Found in Geriatric Birds

4.1 Percentage of Elderly Birds Suffering from Specific Diseases
4.2 Diseases of Old Age in Commonly Kept Species
 

5. The Effect of Poor Nutrition on the Geriatric Bird

5.1 Vitamin A Deficiency
5.2 Deficiencies in Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids
 

6. Commonly Seen Sensory Conditions and Diseases

6.1 Vision
    6.1.1 Macular Disease
    6.1.2. Cataracts
    6.1.3 Additional Degenerative Ophthalmic Conditions:
6.2 Hearing
6.3 Olfaction
6.4. Integument
 

7. Endocrine Diseases

7.1 Diabetes Mellitus
7.2 Thyroid Disease: Thyroid Hyperplasia or Dysplasia (Goiter)
 

8. Respiratory System Diseases

8.1 Chronic Pulmonary Interstitial Fibrosis
8.2 Rhinoliths
8.3 Aspergillus
 

9. Renal Disease

9.1 Renal Insufficiency
9.2 Gout
 

10. Geriatric Conditions of the Integument

10.1 Hyperkeratosis
10.2 Feather Cysts
 

11. Neoplasms and Oncology: Tumors, Masses and Growths

11.1 Lipomas
11.2 Air Sac Carcinomas
11.3 Hemangiomas
11.4 Hemangiosarcomas
11.5 Hemangiolipomas
11.6 Hematomas
11.7 Locations of Neoplasms
11.8 Facts about Tumors in Birds
11.9 Growths and Tumors of the Reproductive System
    11.9.1. Tumors of the Female Reproductive Tract
    11.9.2 Tumors of the Male Reproductive Tract
        11.9.2.1 Sertoli-Cell Tumors
        11.9.2.2 Brown Hypertrophy of the Cere
11.10 Tumors of the Uropygial Gland
11.11 Xanthomas
 

12. Musculoskeletal System

12.1 Arthritis and Bone Disease
12.2 Use of Cold-Laser Therapy in Arthritic Birds
12.3 Osteoporosis

13. Pododermatitis (Bumblefoot)
 

14. Cardiovascular System Diseases

14.1 Heart Disease
14.2 Pulmonary Hypertension
14.3 Atherosclerosis
14.4 Diagnosis and Treatment
 

15. Chronic Liver Disease

15.1 Hepatic Lipidosis or Fatty Liver Disease
15.2 Clinical Pathology Findings in Cases of Hepatic Lipidosis:
 

16. Bacterial diseases

16.1 Salmonella
 

17. Reproductive Disorders of the Older Bird

17.1 Infertility
17.2 Egg-binding and Polyostotic Hyperostosis
17.3 Late Hatch
17.4 Cystic Ovarian Disease
17.5 Cloacal and Uterine Prolapses
 

18. Decline in Activity in the Senior Bird

18.1 Physical Decline Due to Malnutrition
18.2 Mental Decline
    18.2.1 Senility and Dementia
 

19. The Geriatric Bird’s Physical Exam

19.1 What the Thorough Physical Exam Should Include
19.2 The Need for Additional Testing
 

20. Summary of Diseases and Illnesses Frequently Seen in Geriatric Birds

Conclusion

References

Appendix A: Aging in Macaws - A Study by Susan Clubb

Appendix B: Carly, an aged macaw