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Why is my parrot wheezing, breathing heavily, and stomach expanding?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 2 months old | 0.5 lbs

My 4+ year old green parrot breathing heavily.. lower abdomen expands and could hear the wheezing sound. Kindly help.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 20th, 2017

This sign could be compatible with an respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). Viral and bacterial causes are quite common. The fact that the lower abdomen expands when breathing means that it is more likely that the lungs are affected. High temperature may be present.
A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics are needed.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 17th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question.
This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 16th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question.
This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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