Taking a bird's temperature

[kbrunner]

Hi all. I'm writing a realistic teen novel about a fourteen-year-old boy who's an apprentice to his father. (In short, I've taken some falconry classes, and am not on the road to apprenticeship, but I'm fascinated with the subject.)

Long story short, I wanted a peregrine falcon in my story to contract Aspergillosis due to the kid's neglect, and I wondered if that would involve the falcon having an elevated temperature. If so, do you insert a rectal thermometer, or something similar, or just rely on outward signs such as panting, etc.

Thank you in advance if you take the time to answer my question! KIM

[Weasel]

Well, First of all, an apprentice can't have a peregrine.....They can have a Red Tailed hawk, A Kestrel or in some states, a Red Shouldered hawk. Frootdog will be able to answer the question about temperature as he is the vet tech of the bunch. As far as I know, the temperature difference is too small to note that as determining factor if the bird is contracting asper. The main thing that will be noticable with the bird is loss of appetite and labored breathing. Don't quote me on that though as I am certainly NOT an expert and just stating what I beleive on this matter.....Froot dog! Where are ya!!!

[frootdog]

A bird's normal body temp is 107-110. Even when obviously sick birds come in to the clinic it is NOT routine to take temps as a matter of fact it is NEVER done to diagnose problems. The few times we temp birds is during surgery to make sure they are maintaining body temp. The temp is taken rectaly.

[Weasel]

.....Yea, what he said.....hehehe

[kbrunner]

Thanks to you both! Can I follow that up by asking if you suspect aspergillosis due to panting and loss of appetitie, would you confirm it by doing a mute culture then (rather than taking the temp)?

(FYI: The father runs a raptor rehabilitation center off their property, and that's to whom the peregrine belongs. The boy is in charge of cleaning the mews.)

[frootdog]

There is no good definitive test to confirm the diagnosis. The is a titer that you can send out, but it is pretty much worthless. The only other test that coulkd be done is to scope the bird and look for active lesions. Other than that treatment is based on symptoms and history.

[Weasel]

Here is a description of Asper that I copied from another falconers web site.


Also knows as asper, it is the most common cause of illness and death in captive raptors. It is caused by aspergillus fumigates which are spores. The colonies are green to bluish-green at first and darken with age so as to appear almost black. The colonies vary from velvety to floccose. Symptoms include dyspnea (difficulty in breathing), gasping and accelerated breathing may be present. There will also be a persistent slight drop in weight. After a few days she may refuse to eat and will soon die. Treatment at this stage is useless, it is incurable. Occasionally, masses of the fungus are visible to the naked eye in the air passages of the lungs in the air sacs, or in the abdominal cavity. It is most common in passage short-wings and broad-wings. This is a zooinotic disease meaning it can be spread to humans. If caught early an antifungal medication can be used. Excellent medications to use are Fluconizon, Itraconilol, and Nesulized (Clotrimazol).

[kbrunner]

Thanks, guys! You've been a great help. (PS. I had an agent request my manuscript. I've been working on it tirelessly which is why it's taken me so long to respond. Keep your fingers crossed!) KIM

[Weasel]

Cool! Let us know when it goes to print as I would buy a copy!

[tarletonhuntress]

Yeah keep us informed! I'd love to read it!