Page 4 - Paws and Hooves - Autumn 2025

Cardiac care for

Rodney the parrot

The RVC Exotics Service recently welcomed Rodney, To gain a clearer picture of Rodney’s heart function,
an orange-winged Amazon parrot, after his owners grew an echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) was scheduled
concerned about his behaviour. Rodney had become with the Cardiology Service at the RVC Small Animal
increasingly lethargic, was falling over, and had started Referrals Hospital two weeks later. Thanks to a cardiac
clenching and unclenching his feet. Rodney’s exact age ultrasound machine, funded by the Animal Care Trust
was unknown, but he had been with his current family (ACT), clinicians were able to perform a detailed
for thirty years. With Amazon parrots able to live beyond assessment safely and without sedation.
fifty years in captivity, he was considered at least The echocardiogram confirmed good cardiac function and
middle-aged in parrot terms. Rodney’s owners reported a significant improvement in
his energy levels, with no further foot clenching. Treatment
After an initial assessment, Rodney was admitted for for the atherosclerosis is continuing with the adjusted diet,
further tests with RVC avian specialist, Dr Vicki Baldrey. and Rodney is now much more comfortable.
These included blood tests, radiographs, and x-rays. The The cardiac ultrasound machine, funded by the generosity
radiographs showed changes in some of the large blood of ACT supporters played a vital role in diagnosing
vessels near his heart. These findings were consistent with and monitoring Rodney’s heart disease. Thanks to this
atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries harden and equipment, exotics species like Rodney can receive expert
narrow over time, something seen quite often in older parrots.
veterinary care, helping to improve their quality of life.
Blood tests showed Rodney had slightly high cholesterol,
which supported concerns about his arteries. His diet
was mostly seeds, and his owners said he especially liked Rodney's scan
human snacks, often unhealthy ones, a common habit for
Amazon parrots in captivity.
Rodney having heart scan
Based on these results, Rodney’s treatment began with
medications to help improve his blood flow. He was also
given omega-3 supplements and switched to a healthier
diet, to support his cardiovascular and overall health.

Rodney before scan

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