Professor Bob Doneley
Professor - Avian and Exo
School of Veterinary Science
+61 7 54601 980
Researcher biography
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.
His interest in bird medicine was initially developed shortly after graduation when he was asked to give a talk to the Bundaberg Budgerigar Association and realised that he had been taught virtually nothing on this subject while a student. He pursued this interest through private study, visiting colleagues, and attending conferences. 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 the position of Head of Small Animal Services, Veterinary Medical Centre at the University of Queensland's Gatton campus. He is now an Associate 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.
He lectures to both University of Queensland and James Cook University veterinary students on bird and exotic animal medicine, has published two textbooks on bird medicine (one of which has been translated into German and is about to be re-published as a second edition), written chapters for five other textbooks and has published numerous papers in veterinary journals.
Publications
Books
Doneley, Bob (2016). Avian medicine and surgery in practice: companion and aviary birds. 2nd ed. London, United Kingdom: CRC Press.
Doneley, Bob (2010). Avian medicine and surgery in practice : companion and aviary birds. London, United Kingdom: Manson Publishing.
Book Chapters
Bob Doneley (2018). Reproduction. BSAVA Manual of Avian Practice A Foundation Manual. (pp. 54-67) edited by Chitty, John and Monks, Deborah. Gloucs, United Kingdom: British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
McCracken, Helen, Carmel, Brendan, Chitty, John, Doneley, Bob, Johnson, Robert, Lennox, Angela M., Monks, Deborah and Olsson, Annabelle (2018). Differential diagnoses: a problem‐based approach. Reptile medicine and surgery in clinical practice. (pp. 217-253) edited by Bob Doneley, Deborah Monks, Robert Johnson and Brendan Carmel. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705.ch17
Doneley, Bob (2018). Taxonomy and Introduction to Common Species. Reptile Medicine and Surgery in Clinical Practice, 1. (pp. 1-14) edited by Doneley, Bob, Monks, Deborah, Johnson, Robert and Carmel, Brendan. Hokoben NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705.ch1
Monks, Deborah and Doneley, Bob (2018). Reptile Paediatrics. Reptile Medicine and Surgery in Clinical Practice. (pp. 105-113) Hoboken, NJ United States: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705.ch8
McFadden, Michael, Monks, Deborah, Doneley, Bob and Johnson, Robert (2018). Enclosure design. Reptile medicine and surgery in clinical practice. (pp. 61-73) edited by Bob Doneley, Deborah Monks, Robert Johnson and Brendan Carmel. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705.ch5
Doneley, Bob and Carmel, Brendan (2018). The Reptile Consultation. Reptile Medicine and Surgery in Clinical Practice. (pp. 125-133) Hoboken, NJ USA: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705.ch10
Doneley, Bob, Simpson, Shane, Lennox, Angela M. and Chitty, John (2018). Setting up and equipping a reptile practice. Reptile medicine and surgery in clinical practice. (pp. 115-124) edited by Bob Doneley, Deborah Monks, Robert Johnson and Brendan Carmel. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705.ch9
Johnson, Robert and Doneley,Bob (2018). Diseases of the Gastrointestinal System. Reptile Medicine and Surgery in Clinical Practice. (pp. 273-285) Hoboken, NJ United States: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705.ch19
Doneley, Bob, Monks, Deborah, Johnson, Robert and Carmel, Brendan (2017). Preface. Reptile medicine and surgery in clinical practice. (pp. XV-XV) Hoboken, NJ United States: John Wiley and Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705
Doneley, Bob, Monks, Deborah, Johnson, Robert and Carmel, Brendan (2017). Preface. Reptile medicine and surgery in clinical practice. (pp. xv-xv) edited by Bob Doneley, Deborah Monks, Robert Johnson and Brendan Carmel. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley Blackwell. doi: 10.1002/9781118977705.fmatter
Aguilar, Robert F., Rodriguez Barbon, Alberto, Beaufrere, Hugues, Bennett, R. Avery, Beynon, Alan, Brandao, Joao, Campbell, Terry W., Degernes, Laurel, Dislich, Mathias, Divers, Stephen and Doneley, Bob (2017). Questions. Avian medicine and surgery: self-assessment color review. edited by Neil A. Forbes and David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press.
Speer, Brian L., Olsen, Geoffrey P., Doneley, Robert, Monks, Deborah, Verstappen, Frank, Yarto-Jaramilla, Enrique, Elliott, Dorianne, Weston, Maggie, Rivero, Jorge and McDonald, Anne (2016). Common conditions of commonly held companion birds in multiple parts of the world. Current therapy in avian medicine and surgery. (pp. 777-781) edited by Brian L. Speer. St Louis, Missouri USA: Elsevier.
Doneley, Robert (2016). The Clinical Examination. Avian Medicine. (pp. 49-72) edited by Jaime Samour. St Louis, Missouri, United States: Elsevier.
Doneley, Robert J. (2012). Birds. Exotic animal medicine: review and test. (pp. 109-247) edited by Jaime Samour. Edinburgh, UK: Elsevier Publications.
Doneley, Bob (2008). Pigeons: Respiratory disease. BSAVA manual of raptors, pigeons and passerine birds. (pp. 320-327) edited by John Chitty and Michael Lierz. Quedgeley, U. K.: British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Doneley, Bob, Harrison, Greg J. and Lightfoot, Teresa L. (2006). Maximizing information from the physical examination. Clinical avian medicine volume 1. (pp. 153-212) edited by Greg J. Harrison and Teresa L. Lightfoot. Florida , U.S.A: Spix Publishing.
Doneley, Bob (2006). Ratites. Clinical avian medicine volume 2. (pp. 957-989) edited by Greg J. Harrison and Tersesa L. Lightfoot. Florida, U.S.A: Spix Publishing.
Journal Articles
Clarke, P., Mills, P. and Doneley, B. (2023). Relieving veterinarians' workloads and stress: leveraging Australia's veterinary technologists and nurses. Australian Veterinary Journal, 101 (10), 409-410. doi: 10.1111/avj.13278
Doneley, B (2023). Mark Stallwood : 11 June 1960–1 January 2023. Australian Veterinary Journal, 101 (7), 291-292. doi: 10.1111/avj.13250
O'Leary, K. S., Hill, A. and Doneley, R. J. T. (2023). Freshwater turtle admissions to a wildlife hospital in South‐East Queensland, Australia over an eleven‐year period, 2010–2021. Australian Veterinary Journal, 101 (6), 258-264. doi: 10.1111/avj.13243
Taggers, Akshata, Kelly-Bosma, Mirrim, Mastakov, Alexandr, Allavena, Rachel and Doneley, Robert J. T. (2022). Cerebellar hypoplasia in two juvenile African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 36 (3), 308-315. doi: 10.1647/21-00047
Doneley, Robert J T and Madden, Claire (2022). What is your diagnosis?. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 36 (2), 221-228. doi: 10.1647/21-00066
McKenzie, A., Li, T. and Doneley, B. (2022). A comparison of two techniques to identify the sex of the eastern blue‐tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides). Australian Veterinary Journal, 100 (8), 407-413. doi: 10.1111/avj.13170
Doneley, R. J. T. and Suen, W. W. (2022). Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in a brush‐tailed rock‐wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). Australian Veterinary Journal, 100 (6), 271-276. doi: 10.1111/avj.13157
Doneley, Robert James Tyson, Spröhnle-Barrera, Cleide Helen, Jones, Emily Enid, Sula, Mee-Ja M. and Allavena, Rachel Elizabeth (2022). The use of electrochemotherapy to treat an oral mucocutaneous fibrosarcoma in a Central Bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 41, 38-41. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2022.02.008
Mastakov, Alexandr, Kelly-Bosma, Mirrim, Allavena, Rachel and Doneley, Robert (2022). Polycystic kidney disease in 3 juvenile rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus). Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 35 (4), 464-474. doi: 10.1647/20-00023
Doneley, R.J.T. (2021). Treatment of a mycobacterial infection in an Eastern Long‐neck turtle (Chelodina longicollis). Australian Veterinary Journal, 99 (11), 489-494. doi: 10.1111/avj.13110
Mastakov, Alexandr, Henning, Joerg, de Gier, Rebecca and Doneley, Robert (2021). Induction of general anesthesia with alfaxalone in the domestic chicken. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 35 (3), 269-279. doi: 10.1647/19-00022
Doneley, R.J.T. and Sprohnle‐Barrera, C. (2021). Cutaneous botryomycosis in a free‐living short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Australian Veterinary Journal, 99 (10) avj.13105, 427-431. doi: 10.1111/avj.13105
Doneley, Robert J. T. (2021). Transsinus pinning to correct lateral deviation of the upper beak in juvenile macaws. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 35 (1), 68-74. doi: 10.1647/1082-6742-35.1.68
Doneley, R. J. T. (2021). Penile amputation and pre-scrotal urethrostomy in a male guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Australian Veterinary Journal, 99 (3), 89-92. doi: 10.1111/avj.13044
Stevens, April, Doneley, Robert, Cogny, Aurore and Phillips, Clive J. C. (2021). The effects of environmental enrichment on the behaviour of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in aviaries. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 235 105154, 105154. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105154
Campbell, Y., Pan, X.L. and Doneley, R.J.T. (2021). Morbidity and mortality in tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) presented for veterinary care. Australian Veterinary Practitioner, 51 (2), 84-95.
Johnston, Stephen D., López-Fernández, Carmen, Pappin, Eloise, Hampe, Alexandra, Doneley, Robert, Lierz, Michael and Gosálvez, Jaime (2020). Assessment of avian sperm DNA fragmentation using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 32 (10), 948-952. doi: 10.1071/rd19420
Hyndman, Timothy H., Howard, Jonathon G. and Doneley, Robert J. T. (2019). Adenoviruses in free-ranging Australian bearded dragons (Pogona spp.). Veterinary Microbiology, 234, 72-76. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.05.014
Garrett, K., Milne, M., Doneley, R. and Perkins, N. (2019). Ultrasound evaluation of small intestinal thickness and a comparison to body weight in normal chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Australian Veterinary Journal, 97 (1-2), 39-42. doi: 10.1111/avj.12777
Baron, H. R., Šlapeta, J., Donahoe, S. L., Doneley, R. T. J. and Phalen, D. N. (2018). Compensatory gastric stretching following subtotal gastric resection due to gastric adenocarcinoma in a diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota). Australian Veterinary Journal, 96 (12), 481-486. doi: 10.1111/avj.12764
Phillips, Clive J. C., Farrugia, Cameron, Lin, Chun-han, Mancera, Karen and Doneley, Bob (2018). The effect providing space in excess of standards on the behaviour of budgerigars in aviaries. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 199, 89-93. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.10.015
Hoffman, E. M., Garrett, K. and Doneley, R. J. T. (2017). Pneumocoelom causing cloacal prolapse in a perentie monitor (varanus giganteus). Australian Veterinary Practitioner, 47 (4), 117-120.
Garrett, K. and Doneley, R. T. (2017). Use of coelomic ultrasound in the diagnosis of pyometra in an ISA Brown hen (Gallus gallus domesticus). Australian Veterinary Practitioner, 47 (2), 52-53.
Doneley, Robert James Tyson, Smith, Bruce Austen and Gibson, Justine Susanah (2015). Use of a vascular access port for antibiotic administration in the treatment of pododermatitis in a chicken. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 29 (2), 130-135. doi: 10.1647/2014-023
Doneley, Robert J. T., Schaffer-White, Andrea, Melville, Lisa M. and Palmieri, Chiara (2015). Fungal transverse myelitis in a crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans). Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 24 (2), 183-187. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2015.04.007
Doneley, Bob (2015). Clinical technique: Techniques in the practice diagnostic laboratory : a review. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 18 (1), 137-146. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2014.09.008
Baron, H. R., Allavena, R., Melville, L. M. and Doneley, R. J. T. (2014). Gastric adenocarcinoma in a diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota). Australian Veterinary Journal, 92 (10), 405-409. doi: 10.1111/avj.12233
Cowan, Melinda Lee, Martin, Graeme Bruce, Monks, Deborah Jane, Johnston, Stephen Douglas, Doneley, Robert James Tyson and Blackberry, Margaret Anne (2014). Inhibition of the reproductive system by deslorelin in male and female pigeons (Columba livia). Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 28 (2), 102-108. doi: 10.1647/2013-027
Baron, Hamish R., Howe, Laryssa, Varsani, Arvind and Doneley, Robert J. T. (2014). Disease screening of three breeding populations of adult exhibition budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) in New Zealand reveals a high prevalence of a novel polyomavirus and avian malaria infection. Avian Diseases, 58 (1), 111-117. doi: 10.1637/10604-063013-REG.1
Doneley, R. J. T., Buckle, K. N. and Hulse, L. (2014). Adenoviral infection in a collection of juvenile inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Australian Veterinary Journal, 92 (1-2), 41-45. doi: 10.1111/avj.12136
Hyndman, Timothy H., Shilton, Cathy M., Doneley, Robert J. T. and Nicholls, Philip K. (2012). Sunshine virus in Australian pythons. Veterinary Microbiology, 161 (1-2), 77-87. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.07.030
Doneley, Bob (2011). Clinical technique: Techniques in the practice diagnostic laboratory - A review. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 20 (2), 117-123. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2011.02.006
Doneley, R. J. T. and Raidal, S. R. (2010). Tracheal resection and anastomosis in a red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii banksii). Australian Veterinary Journal, 88 (11), 451-454. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00634.x
Doneley, Robert J.T. (2009). Bacterial and parasitic diseases of parrots. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 12 (3), 417-432. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2009.06.009
Weissenböck, Herbert, Bakonyi, Tamás, Sekulin, Karin, Ehrensperger, Felix, Doneley, Robert J.T., Dürrwald, Ralf, Hoop, Richard, Erdélyi, Károly, Gál, János, Kolodziejek, Jolanta and Nowotny, Norbert (2009). Avian bornaviruses in psittacine birds from Europe and Australia with proventricular dilatation disease. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 15 (9), 1453-1459. doi: 10.3201/eid1509.090353
Doneley, Bob (2009). Wing clipping in birds. Australian Veterinary Practitioner, 39 (3), 102-104.
Doneley, R. J. T., Miller, R. I. and Fanning, T. E. (2007). Proventricular dilatation disease: An emerging exotic disease of parrots in Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal, 85 (3), 119-123. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2007.00109.x
Owen, HC, Doneley, RJT, Schmidt, RE and Patterson-Kane, JC (2007). Keratoacanthoma causing beak deformity in a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Avian Pathology, 36 (6), 499-502. doi: 10.1080/03079450701697275
Doneley, Robert J. T. (2006). Preface. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 9 (3), xxiii-ix.
Bob Doneley (2006). Endoscopy of the avian respiratory tract. NAVC Clinician's Brief, 4 (7), 17-19.
Doneley, Robert J. T. (2005). Ten things I wish I'd learned at University. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 8 (3), 393-404. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2005.04.002
Doneley, Bob (2004). Treating liver disease in the avian patient. Seminars In Avian And Exotic Pet Medicine, 13 (1), 8-15. doi: 10.1053/S1055-937X(03)00053-7
Conference Papers
Doneley, Bob (2015). Considerations for Hernia Repair in Parrots. Association of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee Ltd. Annual Conference, Sydney, NSW Australia, 9-11 Septmeber 2015.
Doneley, Bob (2014). Avian radiology: taking and interpreting avian radiographs. AVA 2014: Australian Veterinary Association National Annual Conference 2014, Perth, WA, Australia, 25-30 May 2014. St Leonards, NSW, Australia: Australian Veterinary Association.
Doneley, Bob (2014). Analgesia and anaesthesia in reptiles – a review. Australian Veterinary Association National Annual Conference, Perth, WA, Australia, 25-30 May 2014.
Doneley, Bob (2014). Use of CT in assessing sinus disorders in birds. Association of Avian Veterinarians Australian Committee Annual Conference, Cairns, QLD, Australia, 22-24 April 2014.
Doneley, Bob (2014). The use of vascular access ports in birds and exotic animal medicine. Australian College of Veterinary Scientists College Science Week, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 10-12 July 2014.
Doneley, Bob and Buckle, Kelly (2012). Adenoviral infection in a collection of juvenile inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps). 2012 AVA Annual Conference: Australasian Committee Association of Avian Veterinarians and Unusual and Exotic Pet Veterinarians, Melbourme, VIC, Australia, 3 - 7 September 2012. St Leonards, NSW, Australia: Australian Veterinary Association.
Doneley, Bob (2012). Weight loss syndrome in juvenile free-living galahs (Eolophus roseicapillus). 2012 AVA Annual Conference: Australasian Committee Association of Avian Veterinarians and Unusual and Exotic Pet Veterinarians, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3 - 7 September 2012. St Leonards, NSW, Australia: Australian Veterinary Association.
Cowan, Melinda and Doneley, Bob (2012). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in a sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita galerita). 2012 AVA Annual Conference: Australasian Committee Association of Avian Veterinarians and Unusual and Exotic Pet Veterinarians, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3 - 7 September 2012. St Leonards, NSW, Australia: Australian Veterinary Association.
Doneley, Bob (2011). A case of tracheal obstruction. Association of Avian Veterinarians Australian Committee Annual Conference, Canberra ACT, 20-21 October 2011.
Doneley, Bob and Rosenwax, Alex (2011). The exploratory coeliotomy. Association of Avian Veterinarians Australian Committee Annual Conference, Canberra, Australia, 20-21 October 2011. Canberra, Australia: Association Of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee.
Doneley, Bob (2010). Ten practice tips for avian and exotic pet veterinarians. AAVAC and UEPV Annual Conference, Hobart , Tasmania, 4-8 October 2010. Wollongong, NSW, Australia: Association of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee; Unusual and Exotic Pet Veterinarians.
Doneley, Bob (2010). Why do birds get sick?. AAVAC and UEPV Annual Conference, Hobart, Australia, 4-8 October 2010. Wollongong, NSW, Australia: Association of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee; Unusual and Exotic Pet Veterinarians.
Vankan, Dianne M., Gelis, Stacey, Pyne, Michael, Shearer, Patrick, Sharp, Margaret, Waine, Deanne and Doneley, Bob (2009). Clinical recovery and excretion kinetics of circovirus in lorikeets infected with psittacine beak and feather disease. Association of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee: Annual Conference 2009. Advancing and Promoting Avian Medicine and Stewardship (AAVAC, 2009), Adelaide, SA, Australia, 15-17 October 2009. Denver, CO, U.S.A.: Summit Meetings.
Doneley, Bob (2009). The use of evidence based medicine in avian and reptile practice. Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conference, Darwin, N.T., Australia, 14-22 May 2009. Australia: Australian Veterinary Association.
Bob Doneley (2009). Lead toxicosis in birds; A retrospective review of 20 cases. AAVAC Annual Conference 2009, Adelaide, Australia, 15-17 October 2009. Wollongong, N.S.W., Australia: AAVAC.
Bob Doneley (2006). Pigeon medicine and surgery. North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando , Florida, USA, 7-11 Janaury 2006. Gainesville, FL, USA: North American Veterinary Conference.
Doneley, Bob (2006). An approach to diagnosing chlamydiosis. NAVC Conference 2006: North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, FL, U.S.A., 7-11 January 2006. Gainesville, FL, U.S.A.: The North American Veterinary Conference.
Bob Doneley (2006). Caring for the bearded dragon. North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando , Florida, USA, 7-11 January 2006. Gainesville, FL, USA: North American Veterinary Conference.
Doneley, Bob (2006). Antibody serology: The good and the bad. NAVC Conference 2006: North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, FL, U.S.A., 7-11 January 2006. Gainesville, FL, U.S.A.: The North American Veterinary Conference.
Bob Doneley (2006). Biochemistries: What they do and don't do. North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando , Florida, USA, 7-11 January 2006. Gainesville, FL, USA: North American Veterinary Conference.
Doneley, Bob (2006). A case of tracheal obstruction. North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando , Florida, USA, 7-11 January, 2006.
Generic Document
Spröhnle-Barrera, Cleide, Doneley, Robert and Gonzalez-Astudillo, Viviana (2023). Mycobacterial septicemia by non-granulomatous mycobacteriosis in a freshwater turtle. Davis-Thompson Foundation.