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[Archie]

Hi! I'm new to the forum. I have a chestnut fronted (severe) macaw, a sun conure and a lutino lovebird.

Recently, one of our birds, CJ the Sun Conure, flew into a window. =( He fell to the ground and immediately went limp in both his legs. We took him to the vet where they gave him fluids, pain meds, checked to see if he still had feeling in his feet (which he still does!!) and took some radiographs just in case there was a break. Thankfully there wasn't a break, but the vet said that his spine was swollen and that she didn't know when or if he would regain motion or control in his feet. Even though CJ can not use his legs and feet since the accident and is sometimes confused as to why, he is still in great spirits, +e/+d/+u/+d, and is starting to chatter again. I have also seen some ever so slight movement in his legs but have been keeping him confined so he can rest and stay mostly immobile.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with avian acupuncture? I am very interested in trying this if it will increase the chances of him walking again. Of course we love him unconditionally either way. I've heard and seen great things from dog and cat acupuncture treatments, but I know that I will have to do my research in finding an acupuncturist who specializes in birds.

The vet said she sees cases where birds fly into windows and ceiling fans quite often. If your bird has gone through one of these traumatic events, what helped pull him/her through?

 

[wenz2712]

and welcome to the forum

 

[antoinette]

Welcome
Enjoy our the forum

 

[MonicaMc]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with avian acupuncture?
Yes, but not me.

Charlie, a blue crown conure, had no function in his lower back end. He went through acupuncture to try and make his life easier.

You can read about him here
Special-abled Blue-crowned Conure "Charlie" - Nancy Bowes' Pet

The post about his passing
In loving memory of Charlie, a paralyzed bird - BirdBoard


Her e-mail is in either link, if you'd like to get in contact with her.

 

[MarciaLove]

welcome! so sorry to hear about your bird a long time ago I rescued a parakeet whos legs didnt work (dont know why) Our lovebird took care of him though feeding him and preening him it was so sweet! But I always felt bad for the little guy he lived a happy life though may he rest in piece <3 Hope your guy regains motion in his legs, I dont know if this is true for birds but my grandmothers dog is just regaining her motion in legs after hurting her back it was swollen badly and she couldnt walk we didnt know if she ever would but after the swelling went down she ha started to regain her motion! maybe that is how it will be for your bird.

 

[Kimma]

Acupuncture is ineffective and you shouldn't do it to your bird.

Acupuncture Doesn?t Work « Science-Based Medicine

 

[TessieB]

Hello!

Sorry about your bird. In some case a low dose of steroids may help avian patients who had suffered a traumatic injury to the spine. Flying into windows happens quite often and many birds recover with no ill effects. However, when they become geriatric they often develop arthritis in the area that was injured years ago.

In my experience smaller birds seem to adapt to a spinal injury much better than large birds. The larger, heavier birds just can't compensate for the lack of muscle control as they have a tendency to climb. However, smaller birds seem to find a way to adapt and use their legs as 'pegs' to get around.

Good luck with your little guy.