Dr. Brenna Fitzgerald, originally from Dallas, Texas, is a 2007 graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Fitzgerald has had a lifetime love affair with animals of all kinds, but has always considered working with birds and exotic animals her true calling.  

She completed her residency in avian practice at the Medical Center for Birds in Oakley, California, and in 2012 became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in avian practice. She practiced exclusively avian medicine at the Medical Center for Birds for 13 years where she and her colleagues served a large clientele and provided referral and consultation services to veterinarians throughout the Bay Area and the larger region. During this time, she also had the privilege of mentoring many veterinary students, interns, and residents.

She relocated to the Denver area in 2021 and spent the first half of 2022 providing specialty care to avian patients at Homestead Animal Hospital in Centennial, Colorado. She is now extremely excited to join the stellar veterinary team at Colorado Exotic Animal Hospital and continue providing specialty services to the bird and exotic pet parents of Colorado and referral services to fellow practitioners in Colorado and the surrounding area.

Dr. Fitzgerald is strongly committed to furthering avian medicine, not only through serving her patients and clients in private practice, but also through education and support of the avian veterinary community. She has worked to promote continuing education by speaking at veterinary conferences, designing their educational programs, and authoring a number of scholarly articles. She is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), serves on their Advisory Council as a Member-At-Large, and contributes to social media (#AAVBirdTales) and other educational content. 

In 2021, Dr. Fitzgerald established Avian Exclusive Veterinary Consultation (AEVC), providing a variety of remote and in-person consultation services for avian veterinarians throughout the United States.

She and her partner, Todd, parent a menagerie of parrots, kitties, and one regal, senior beagle. Her feather babies are grey parrots Jasmine, Rex, Moe, Alex, and Athena, and blue-headed Pionus WeeWee.

 

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Fitzgerald B, Olsen G, Speer B. Laboratory reporting accuracy of polymerase chain reaction testing for avian polyomavirus. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. 2013;27(1):32-37.

Skelton L, Polk A, Fitzgerald BC, Moran MD. Fire effects on three trophic levels in a central Arkansas grassland. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science. 2002;56:162-168.
 

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS PUBLICATIONS

Fitzgerald B, Echols MS. Imaging the cardiovascular system: comparison of CT and traditional radiography. Proc ABVP. 2022

Fitzgerald B. Imaging the cardiovascular system: the power of echocardiography. Proc ABVP. 2022

Fitzgerald B. Avian cardiology: clinical disease and treatment options. Proc ABVP. 2022

Fitzgerald B. Oncogenic viruses: what you need to know. Proc VMX. 2022;641-644.

Fitzgerald B, Laura W. Drugs and dosages: what’s new in pharmaceuticals. Proc VMX. 2021;730-736.

Fitzgerald B, Zaffarano B. Infectious disease screening in pet birds: tailor your testing. Proc VMX. 2020;999-1006.

Fitzgerald B, Zaffarano B. Key infectious diseases of pet birds: new and review of the ewww. Proc VMX. 2020;1007-1010.

Fitzgerald B. Viral diagnostics including bornavirus. Proc ABVP. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Unusual bacterial diagnostics, including mycobacteriosis. Proc ABVP. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Advanced avian radiography (including poultry). Proc ABVP. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Avian cardiology: disease states. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Avian cardiology: diagnostic and therapeutic options. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Introduction to waterfowl medicine. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Fundamental diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for backyard chickens. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Backyard chickens: external and internal parasites. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Backyard chickens: what to do with the “sour crop.” Proc Western Vet Conf. 2019

Fitzgerald B. Cardiovascular disease in companion birds. Proc Wild West Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Common gastrointestinal diseases of companion parrots. Proc Wild West Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Diseases of pet chickens: reproductive disease. Proc Chicagoland Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Diseases of pet chickens: respiratory disease. Proc Chicagoland Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Diseases of pet chickens: oncogenic viruses. Proc Chicagoland Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Diseases of pet chickens: bumblefoot. Proc Chicagoland Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of pet chickens: reproductive disease. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of pet chickens: respiratory disease. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of pet chickens: oncogenic viruses. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of pet chickens: bumblefoot. Proc Western Vet Conf. 2018

Fitzgerald B. Coelomic disease and surgery: when to cut? Proc VMX. 2018;1130-1135.

Fitzgerald B. Oncogenic viruses and associated cancers. Proc VMX. 2018;1122-1125.

Fitzgerald B. Wound management: from predation to bumblefoot. Proc VMX. 2018;1126-1129.

Fitzgerald B. Crop distention: differential diagnoses and treatment options. Proc VMX. 2018;1118-1121.

Fitzgerald B. Clinical cardiovascular anatomy and disease states. Proc Assoc Avian Vet. 2017;315-322.

Fitzgerald B. Diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases in birds. Proc Assoc Avian Vet. 2017;323-334.

Fitzgerald B. Clinical cardiovascular anatomy and disease states. Proc Exoticscon. 2016;201-208.

Fitzgerald B. Diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases in birds. Proc Exoticscon. 2016;209-220.

Fitzgerald B. Clinical cardiovascular anatomy and disease states. Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2016

Fitzgerald B. Atherosclerosis in birds: what you need to know! Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2016

Fitzgerald B. Cardiovascular disease diagnostics. Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2016

Fitzgerald B. Managing congestive heart failure in a grey parrot. Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2016

Fitzgerald B. Cardiovascular ultrasound: seeing through the noise. Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2016

Fitzgerald B. Managing cardiovascular diseases in birds. Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2016

Fitzgerald B. Endoscopic partial pericardiectomy in a jenday conure. Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2016

Fitzgerald B, Ferrell S. Avian and reptile protozoal diseases: important diseases you need to know. Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2016

Fitzgerald B. Introduction to pet chickens, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Proc Atlantic Coast Vet Conf. 2015

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of backyard poultry: bumblefoot. Proc Atlantic Coast Vet Conf. 2015

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of backyard poultry: oncogenic viruses. Proc Atlantic Coast Vet Conf. 2015

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of backyard poultry: reproductive disease. Proc Atlantic Coast Vet Conf. 2015

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of backyard poultry: ingluvial pathology. Proc Atlantic Coast Vet Conf. 2015

Fitzgerald B. Common diseases of backyard poultry: respiratory disease. Proc Atlantic Coast Vet Conf. 2015

Fitzgerald B. Common disease conditions of the cockatiel encountered in clinical avian practice. Proc Atlantic Coast Vet Conf. 2015

Fitzgerald B. Avian practice essentials: handling, basic procedures, radiographic positioning, and anesthesia. Proc Atlantic Coast Vet Conf. 2015

Fitzgerald B. Waterfowl medicine and surgery. Proc Wild West Vet Conf. 2014

Fitzgerald B. Introduction to pet chickens. Proc Wild West Vet Conf. 2014

Fitzgerald B. Pet chicken diagnostics and therapeutics. Proc Wild West Vet Conf. 2014

Fitzgerald B. Disease conditions in clinical avian practice in northern California. Proc Pacific Vet Conf. 2014

Fitzgerald B. Introduction to avian cardiology: anatomy, physiology, and clinical disease states. Proc Pacific Vet Conf. 2014

Fitzgerald B. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods for identification and management of cardiovascular disease in companion birds. Proc Pacific Vet Conf. 2014

Fitzgerald B, Olsen G, Speer B. Laboratory reporting accuracy of polymerase chain reaction testing for avian polyomavirus. Proc Assoc Avian Vet. 2013;35-36.

Fitzgerald BC, Speer BL. Endoscopic partial pericardectomy for resolution of pericardial effusion in a conure. Proc Assoc Avian Vet. 2011;257.

Fitzgerald BC, Speer BL. Endoscopic partial pericardectomy for resolution of pericardial effusion in a jenday conure. Proc European Assoc Avian Vet. 2011;103-104.

Fitzgerald B, Speer B, Kass P, Murad JW. Effect of high altitude on packed cell volume among psittacine birds. Proc Assoc Avian Vet. 2009;309-310.

Fitzgerald BC, Skelton L, Polk A, Moran MD. Fire effects on three trophic levels in an Arkansas grassland. Arkansas Academy of Science, 85th Annual Meeting. 2001. Pg 38.

 

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Fitzgerald BC. Cardiovascular diseases in pet birds – therapeutic options and challenges. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice. 2022;25(2):469-501.

Fitzgerald BC, Dias S, and Martorell J. Cardiovascular drugs in avian, small mammal, and reptile medicine. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice. 2018;21(2):399-442.

Fitzgerald BC and Beaufrère H. Cardiology. In: Speer B. Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery. Elsevier; 2015:252-328.

Fitzgerald BC. Avian healthcare basics: How do I know if my bird is sick? PsittaScene. 2009;21(2):12-14.

 

PRESENTATIONS

6/2022 LafeberVet Webinar:
Avian Cardiology Essentials

4/2022 American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Symposium 2022:
Imaging the Cardiovascular System: Comparison of CT and Traditional Radiography
Imaging the Cardiovascular System: The Power of Echocardiography
Avian Cardiology: Clinical Disease and Treatment Options

1/2022 Veterinary Meeting and Expo 2022:
Oncogenic Viruses: What You Need to Know

10/2021 Alaska State Veterinary Medical Association 2021 Annual Symposium:
Essential Skillset for Avian Practice
Getting to Know Backyard Chickens
Backyard Poultry for the Small Animal Practitioner – Introduction to Common Diseases and Conditions
Backyard Poultry for the Small Animal Practitioner – Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations

6/2021 Veterinary Meeting and Expo 2021:
Drugs and Dosages: What’s New in Pharmaceuticals
Updates on Managing Cardiovascular Disease: The Heart of the Matter
PDD and Avian Bornavirus – What Do We Know?

1/2020 Veterinary Meeting and Expo 2020:
Infectious Disease Screening in Pet Birds: Tailor Your Testing
Key Infectious Diseases of Pet Birds: New and Review of the Ewww

10/2019 American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Symposium 2019:
Round Table Discussion: Updates on Euthanasia in Exotic Pets
Viral Diagnostics Including Bornavirus
Unusual Bacterial Diagnostics, Including Mycobacteriosis
Advanced Avian Radiography (Including Poultry)

6/2019 Minnesota Companion Bird Association 2019: Understanding the Geriatric Parrot

2/2019 Western Veterinary Conference 2019:
Avian Cardiology: Disease States
Avian Cardiology: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options
Introduction to Waterfowl Medicine
Fundamental Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations for Backyard Chickens
Backyard Chickens: External and Internal Parasites
Backyard Chickens: What to Do with the “Sour Crop”

1/2019 Veterinary Meeting and Expo 2019: Top Problems and Solutions for the Younger Bird: It Ain’t Easy Being Green!

10/2018 Wild West Veterinary Conference 2018:
Cardiovascular Disease in Companion Birds
Common Gastrointestinal Diseases of Companion Parrots

5/2018 Chicagoland Veterinary Conference 2018:
Diseases of Pet Chickens: Reproductive Disease
Diseases of Pet Chickens: Respiratory Disease
Diseases of Pet Chickens: Oncogenic Viruses
Diseases of Pet Chickens: Bumblefoot

3/2018 Western Veterinary Conference 2018:
Common Diseases of Pet Chickens: Reproductive Disease
Common Diseases of Pet Chickens: Respiratory Disease
Common Diseases of Pet Chickens: Oncogenic Viruses
Common Diseases of Pet Chickens: Bumblefoot

2/2018 Wildlife and Exotic Animal Symposium 2018: Chicken Parasites: the Ins and Outs

2/2018 Veterinary Meeting and Expo 2018:
Coelomic Disease and Surgery: When to Cut?
Oncogenic Viruses and Associated Cancers
Wound Management: From Predation to Bumblefoot
Crop Distention: Differential Diagnoses and Treatment Options

8/2017 Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference 2017:
Clinical Cardiovascular Anatomy and Disease States (Master Class)
Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular Diseases in Birds (Master Class)

8/2016 ExoticsCon 2016:
Clinical Cardiovascular Anatomy and Disease States (Master Class)
Diagnosis and Management of Cardiovascular Diseases in Birds (Master Class)

1/2016 North American Veterinary Conference 2016:
Clinical Cardiovascular Anatomy and Disease States
Atherosclerosis in Birds: What You Need to Know!
Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostics
Managing Congestive Heart Failure in a Grey Parrot
Cardiovascular Ultrasound: Seeing Through the Noise
Managing Cardiovascular Diseases in Birds
Endoscopic Partial Pericardiectomy in a Jenday Conure
Avian and Reptile Protozoal Diseases: Important Diseases You Need to Know

10/2015 Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference 2015:
Introduction to Pet Chickens, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics
Common Diseases of Backyard Poultry: Bumblefoot
Common Diseases of Backyard Poultry: Oncogenic Viruses
Common Diseases of Backyard Poultry: Reproductive Disease
Common Diseases of Backyard Poultry: Ingluvial Pathology
Common Diseases of Backyard Poultry: Respiratory Disease
Common Disease Conditions of the Cockatiel Encountered in Clinical Avian Practice
Avian Practice Essentials: Handling, Basic Procedures, Radiographic Positioning, and Anesthesia

10/2014 Wild West Veterinary Conference 2014:
Waterfowl Medicine and Surgery
Introduction to Pet Chickens
Pet Chicken Diagnostics and Therapeutics

6/2014 Pacific Veterinary Conference 2014:
Disease Conditions in Clinical Avian Practice in Northern California
Introduction to Avian Cardiology: Anatomy, Physiology, and Clinical Disease States
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods for Identification and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Companions Birds

8/2013 Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference 2013: Laboratory Reporting Accuracy of PCR Testing for   Avian Polyomavirus

5/2012 Caring Hands Rescuing Parrots (CHRP) Parrots as Companions Seminar 2012:
Foraging and Enrichment as Tools for Behavioral Change
Foraging: Techniques and Application
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Effusion in a Jenday Conure - Parallels Between Cardiovascular Disease and Behavior
Application of Foraging Techniques Laboratory

8/2011 Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference 2011: Endoscopic Partial Pericardectomy for Resolution of   Pericardial Effusion in a Jenday Conure

5/2011 Caring Hands Rescuing Parrots (CHRP) Parrots as Companions Seminar 2011:
Update on PDD and Avian Bornavirus
Behavioral Science in Avian Healthcare
Behavioral Assessment and Training Techniques

4/2011 Contra Costa Avian Society: Aspergillosis
European Association of Avian Veterinarians Conference 2011: Endoscopic Partial Pericardectomy for Resolution   of Pericardial Effusion in a Jenday Conure

4/2010 Western Career College: Practical Handling, Restraint, and Basic Clinical Procedures Laboratory

10/2009 Western Career College: Practical Handling, Restraint, and Basic Clinical Procedures Laboratory

9/2009 Parrot Education and Entertainment People (PEEP) Meeting:
Application of Foraging Techniques
Avian Aspergillosis
Avian Healthcare Basics
Clinical Pathology
Practical Handling, Restraint, and Basic Clinical Procedures Laboratory

8/2009 Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference 2009: Effect of High Altitude on Packed Cell Volume
Among Psittaciformes

1/2009  Contra Costa Avian Society: Avian Aspergillosis

6/2008 Mickaboo Companion Bird Club Foraging Seminar 2008: Application of Foraging Techniques

4/2001 Hendrix College Senior Seminar: Independent Study on the Effects of Fire on Three Trophic Levels

4/2001 Arkansas Academy of Science 85th Annual Meeting: Fire Effects on Three Trophic Levels in an Arkansas Grassland

 

HONORS AND AWARDS

2019 Speaker of the Year in Avian & Exotics: Western Veterinary Conference

2017 Donald W. Zantop Emerging Leader Award and Memorial Lecture: Association of Avian Veterinarians

2007 Graduation with honors (magna cum laude): College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University

2007 Pfizer Veterinary Specialty Team Award: Emergency/Critical Care

2001 Graduation with Departmental Distinction: Department of Biology, Hendrix College

2001 First place for an undergraduate student oral presentation in the field of Environmental Sciences: Arkansas Academy of Science 85th Annual Meeting