Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice
Companion and Aviary Birds
3rd Edition
Published on 27. June 2025
576 pages
978-1-040-34777-5 (ISBN)
Description
This book is an invaluable quick reference resource for clinicians and a useful study guide for veterinary students and residents.
This practical and beautifully illustrated book takes you on a walk through avian medicine, beginning with the basics, such as common species, husbandry, nutrition, and grooming, before moving on to the more clinical-focused material, such as how to perform a physical examination, collect samples and interpret diagnostic tests, take good quality radiographs and then interpret them, and how to support a sick bird while in hospital.
It then moves into the disorders affecting the different organs and body systems. Each chapter begins with a description of clinical anatomy and physiology before going on to explore the disorders associated with the effects of disease or trauma. The book also addresses behavioural problems, incubation of eggs, paediatrics, anaesthesia, and surgery.
For this edition, Bob Doneley is joined by avian, zoo/wildlife and exotic pet veterinarian Shangzhe Xie. Together they have thoroughly updated the book by incorporating the latest research and covering a larger range of avian species. Building on the practical aspects that make this book stand out from other resources, they have added step-by-step pictorial guides to common procedures and surgeries, as well as videos for longer, more complicated ones. Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice will therefore allow the practitioner to immediately help the patient at hand, whether to prescribe a medication or perform a life-saving surgery.
This practical and beautifully illustrated book takes you on a walk through avian medicine, beginning with the basics, such as common species, husbandry, nutrition, and grooming, before moving on to the more clinical-focused material, such as how to perform a physical examination, collect samples and interpret diagnostic tests, take good quality radiographs and then interpret them, and how to support a sick bird while in hospital.
It then moves into the disorders affecting the different organs and body systems. Each chapter begins with a description of clinical anatomy and physiology before going on to explore the disorders associated with the effects of disease or trauma. The book also addresses behavioural problems, incubation of eggs, paediatrics, anaesthesia, and surgery.
For this edition, Bob Doneley is joined by avian, zoo/wildlife and exotic pet veterinarian Shangzhe Xie. Together they have thoroughly updated the book by incorporating the latest research and covering a larger range of avian species. Building on the practical aspects that make this book stand out from other resources, they have added step-by-step pictorial guides to common procedures and surgeries, as well as videos for longer, more complicated ones. Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice will therefore allow the practitioner to immediately help the patient at hand, whether to prescribe a medication or perform a life-saving surgery.
Reviews / Votes
"Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice is a gem. It is a mandatory addition to the libraries of all veterinarians who routinely see birds and especially for those who only see them occasionally. This book will be of enormous benefit to veterinary students and veterinarians who are just learning about avian medicine. It will also be an excellent resource for veterinary nurses who wish to learn more about the patients for which they are caring."David N. Phalen, Emeritus Professor, Wildlife Health and Conservation, Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, Australia
"For clinical veterinarians that treat companion and aviary birds Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice 3rd edition coedited by Drs. Bob Doneley and Shangzhe Xie is a must have text. This book is being published at a time in which a contemporary clinical avian text is overdue. The advancement of avian medicine and surgery continues and the need for a single source of relevant concise clinical information is required now more than ever. The material contained within, covers important topics to maintain the health and well-being of avian patients to be shared with owners such as nutrition, environmental considerations, and behavior. While providing relevant information, basic up to date standards of care are provided. The behavior, nutrition, and environmental chapters as well as the other chapters have recommended reading if one needs a more detailed enhancement of the text.
The material contained within the foundations of an avian practice are influenced by both the current knowledge and understanding within the veterinary medical community of handling, basic physical examination, and grooming techniques along with the authors' vast clinical experience. By providing the information in this manner allows even the most inexperienced avian veterinarian to quickly obtain information, thereby saving valuable clinic time. The most up to date information on supportive therapy to treat critical cases, basic clinical techniques for diagnostic testing and treatment, and most importantly a section on interpretation of diagnostic test results are invaluable assets contained within.
What separates this text from others is the manner in which the disease conditions are presented. Again, a clinical textbook with a purpose to have an immediate aid to the veterinarian treating birds in real time. This is evidenced by a chapter on basic differential disease diagnoses described by clinical presentations as one would examine an avian patient during a physical examination. From there, the majority of the book is chapters on body systems and anatomic areas of interest (e.g., skin, beak/cere, eye, ear, pelvic limb, pectoral limb). Each chapter starts with a relatively abbreviated description of anatomy and physiology with the majority of the chapter describing individual diseases of that body system or anatomic area of interest. The individual disease conditions are then defined, clinical presentation described, how to diagnose, and finally, treatment options. Truly a clinical medical text for the practicing avian veterinarian. The chapters describing basic soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, reproductive disorders and technology, pediatrics, oncology are clinically thorough and the authors have again added their experience to recommended treatment techniques for particular injuries and disease presentations.
The tables, images, and line drawings are an enhancement to the written material and aid in understanding of technique descriptions. The cytological overview with images is an important reference that is not found in any current clinical avian text. There are 3 appendices that are appropriate for any clinical avian medical text, a formulary, reference intervals, and biological values.
All in all, Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice, 3rd edition is a book that any veterinarian that treats companion and aviary birds should have as a guide to practice medicine and surgery using today's standards of care."
Thomas N. Tully, Jr., DVM, MS, DABVP (Avian), DECZM (Avian), Professor Zoological Medicine, Louisiana State University - School of Veterinary Medicine, USA
"This third edition, even more than before, is a comprehensive and practical resource for veterinarians and students alike. For this edition, Dr Shangzhe Xie joins Dr Bob Doneley, and they've made several alterations while retaining the easy-to-access information of the previous two editions. For instance, the first chapter is now an expanded section on commonly kept bird species, offering valuable insights into each species' common health problems. The differential diagnosis section, a long-standing highlight, remains on point, detailed and immensely helpful. These two sections alone are a boon for newer clinicians trying to improve their 'pattern' recognition of disease. Many sections have been reordered or restructured to provide improved information access or to reflect the latest information. Within the text, rewrites have enhanced clarity and user efficiency.
The strengths of this book's first and second editions were always the accessibility of decades of practical, frontline avian experience, combined with specialist-level knowledge. This edition is no different. The precise organisation, digestible format, and helpful tips make it an indispensable resource for novice avian practitioners. It is a reliable and user-friendly tool that even those feeling a bit out of their depth can navigate. For experienced avian practitioners, gems hidden within the text provide an unexpected, clever tip or give a sudden, new perspective to a particular topic. Vibrant, high-quality pictures and hand-drawn illustrations effectively complement the text, offering additional insight for visual learners. Suffice it to say that this edition is well worth the addition to your bookshelf, even if the other two editions are already sitting in pride of place."
Deborah Monks, Senior Veterinarian and Practice Principal and Recognised Avian Specialist, EBVS (R) European Veterinary Specialist in Avian Medicine and Surgery, Brisbane Bird & Exotics Veterinary Service, Queensland, Australia
Praise for the previous editions:
"Over the past decade there have been numerous texts published on avian medicine and surgery, each with varying degrees of depth of information and ease of use. The second edition of Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice: Companion and Aviary Birds is an excellent blend of both features; readers can quickly access relevant and practical information, with additional references listed at the end of each chapter which direct the reader to more detailed information on the subject matters. The second edition comes only 6 years after the initial edition; however, given the continuously rapid expansion of information in avian medicine, its release is timely. The author's extensive experience in clinical avian medicine of companion birds is evident as one reads through the various chapters... Veterinary students will find the text to be a useful addition to complement their learning."
- Douglas Whiteside, DVM, DVSc, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM), Senior Staff Veterinarian, Calgary Zoo, Alberta, The Canadian Veterinary Journal, Volume 58, 7
"The table of contents reveals an extensive and complete listing of most topics... This reasonably priced book will be an excellent addition to any avian practitioner's library and will be useful for veterinary students as well"
-James McKinley, DVM, DABVP Amwell Bird Hospital, Hillsborough, NJ, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
"This is a handy review of both the normal and the abnormal in companion and aviary birds... The format does not limit the clinician's options to those reported in a particular species, but instead invites the practitioner to think critically about a wider array of etiologies and management options. The second edition is indeed justified, with new chapters on husbandry, diagnostic imaging, and endoscopy, as well as a significant amount of new information in many of the other chapters." -Nichole Rosenhagen, BS, DVM (University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine), Doody Enterprises
"At present, exotic veterinary medicine is barely taught in vet school, so if you wish to specialize in avian medicine, then this is a fantastic resource. The diagrams showing the limb/wing immobilisation are really easy to follow and exceptionally helpful. The text is a good size and each section is bite-sized and easy to read. I have certainly learnt a lot from reading this book." - 3rd year Veterinary student, University of Surrey, UK
"Several avian books are available for practitioners working with pet birds and most claim to be comprehensive and easy to use. Unfortunately, many don't succeed in accomplishing both aims. This book does."
-Julia Whittington, DVM, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Doody's Review Service
"The author clearly draws on a wealth of experience and has written a book with much to recommend..."
-Journal of Small Animal Practice
"...chapters are extremely useful for any veterinarian, as they vividly describe the basics of avian medicine and how to apply them... many practical tips and scenarios... [images] are of high quality and are well labelled..."
-Australian Veterinary Journal
More details
Edition
3rd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
42 Tables, color; 43 Line drawings, color; 416 Halftones, color; 459 Illustrations, color
File size
74,11 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-34777-5 (9781040347775)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
06/2025
3rd Edition
CRC Press
€173.50
Shipment within 10-20 days
Persons
Dr Bob Doneley graduated from the University of Queensland in 1982 and worked in veterinary practices in Bundaberg, Brisbane, Toowoomba and the UK before opening his own practice, the West Toowoomba Veterinary Surgery, in Toowoomba in 1988. He was awarded his Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (FANZCVS) in 2003, becoming Queensland's first specialist in bird medicine, the third in Australia. In the same year he was awarded the College Prize by the Australian College for outstanding contributions to veterinary science in Australia.
In 2010 he sold his practice after 22 years to take up a position at the University of Queensland's Gatton campus. He is now a Professor and Head of the Avian and Exotic Pet Service, a specialist bird practice, as well as treating reptiles, small mammals and wildlife. In 2015 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. In 2018 he was awarded the prestigious international T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year by the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
He lectures to both veterinary and veterinary technology students on avian and exotic pet medicine, has published two textbooks on bird medicine, including this one, Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice, which has been translated into German, Turkish and Chinese. He has also written and edited a text on reptile medicine and surgery, as well as chapters for many other textbooks and has published numerous papers in veterinary journals.
Dr Shangzhe Xie graduated from Murdoch University in 2008 and began a nomadic start to his veterinary career in small animal and exotic pet practices in Australia, New Zealand and USA. He returned to Adelaide, South Australia in 2013 to pursue a PhD studying the physiology and pathology of heat stress in Australian desert birds, and founded the Adelaide Exotic Pets Referral Services.
In 2017, he moved back to Singapore to take up a position at the Jurong Bird Park, Mandai Wildlife Group. He is currently the Vice President of Veterinary Healthcare at Mandai Wildlife Group, in charge of the 2 veterinary hospitals caring for the animals under the care of the organization. In 2020, he achieved board-certification status with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Avian practice and became recognized as a Diplomate of the Asian College of Conservation Medicine the following year.
He continues to mentor and teach veterinary students, research students and veterinarians through continuing education courses, veterinary student extramural rotations, internships and residencies. He has contributed to scientific publications and textbook chapters, culminating in Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice, 3rd Edition.
In 2010 he sold his practice after 22 years to take up a position at the University of Queensland's Gatton campus. He is now a Professor and Head of the Avian and Exotic Pet Service, a specialist bird practice, as well as treating reptiles, small mammals and wildlife. In 2015 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. In 2018 he was awarded the prestigious international T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year by the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
He lectures to both veterinary and veterinary technology students on avian and exotic pet medicine, has published two textbooks on bird medicine, including this one, Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice, which has been translated into German, Turkish and Chinese. He has also written and edited a text on reptile medicine and surgery, as well as chapters for many other textbooks and has published numerous papers in veterinary journals.
Dr Shangzhe Xie graduated from Murdoch University in 2008 and began a nomadic start to his veterinary career in small animal and exotic pet practices in Australia, New Zealand and USA. He returned to Adelaide, South Australia in 2013 to pursue a PhD studying the physiology and pathology of heat stress in Australian desert birds, and founded the Adelaide Exotic Pets Referral Services.
In 2017, he moved back to Singapore to take up a position at the Jurong Bird Park, Mandai Wildlife Group. He is currently the Vice President of Veterinary Healthcare at Mandai Wildlife Group, in charge of the 2 veterinary hospitals caring for the animals under the care of the organization. In 2020, he achieved board-certification status with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Avian practice and became recognized as a Diplomate of the Asian College of Conservation Medicine the following year.
He continues to mentor and teach veterinary students, research students and veterinarians through continuing education courses, veterinary student extramural rotations, internships and residencies. He has contributed to scientific publications and textbook chapters, culminating in Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice, 3rd Edition.
Content
About the Authors. Preface. CHAPTER 1 Commonly kept species. CHAPTER 2 Husbandry and nutrition. CHAPTER 3 Handling and grooming birds. CHAPTER 4 The physical examination. CHAPTER 5 Supportive therapy. CHAPTER 6 Clinical techniques. CHAPTER 7 Interpreting diagnostic tests. CHAPTER 8 Diagnostic imaging. HAPTER 9 Endoscopy. CHAPTER 10 Differential diagnoses. CHAPTER 11 Disorders of the skin and feathers. CHAPTER 12 Disorders of the beak and cere. CHAPTER 13 Disorders of the eye. CHAPTER 14 Disorders of the ear. CHAPTER 15 Disorders of the pelvic limb. CHAPTER 16 Disorders of the pectoral limb. CHAPTER 17 Disorders of the spine. CHAPTER 18 Disorders of the muscles and tendons. CHAPTER 19 Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. CHAPTER 20 Disorders of the liver. CHAPTER 21 Disorders of the pancreas. CHAPTER 22 Disorders of the cardiovascular system. CHAPTER 23 Disorders of the respiratory tract. CHAPTER 24 Disorders of the urinary system. CHAPTER 25 Disorders of the lymphoid and haematopoietic systems. CHAPTER 26 Disorders of the nervous system. CHAPTER 27 Disorders of the reproductive tract. CHAPTER 28 Reproductive technology. CHAPTER 29 Paediatrics. CHAPTER 30 Behavioural problems. CHAPTER 31 Analgesia and anaesthesia. CHAPTER 32 Soft tissue surgery. CHAPTER 33 Orthopaedic surgery. CHAPTER 34 Oncology. Appendix 1: Formulary. Appendix 2: Reference intervals for commonly kept companion birds (SI Units). Appendix 3: Biological values for some common companion bird species. Index.
