08/06/2026
🦜 Many middle-aged and older parrots develop heart and vascular disease, but it can be difficult to detect. For her residency research project, Dr. Davia Kot, Graduating Resident in our Exotics Service, explored how echocardiography can help veterinarians evaluate cardiovascular disease in Eclectus parrots—a vibrant and fun-loving species.
Dr. Kot shares, "Assessing a bird’s heart can be challenging due to avian anatomy, but with a small ultrasound probe and a cooperative parrot, an echocardiogram can provide valuable information on heart disease and treatment options.
"My research demonstrated that echocardiography can help identify changes associated with cardiovascular disease in Eclectus parrots. These findings support performing an echocardiogram when a heart murmur is detected and considering one when there are other signs of possible heart disease.
"Along with regular veterinary examinations, a pelleted low-fat diet, plenty of supplemental fresh veggies, exercise, and monitoring for signs of heart disease at home, all contribute to a companion bird’s long-term health. 🫀⚠️ Signs of heart disease can include exercise intolerance, rapid or heavy breathing, falling off perches, or general lethargy at home."
