Closed nare

[Shine]

This is Charlie. I got him about a week ago from a man who could no longer keep him. He said his nare has been blocked since he got him about 30 years ago. He had a vet open it a couple of times, but says that it closes back up in a day or two. He says that it has never really affected him and that he has always seemed fine. I have noticed that I can hear him breath sometimes, sounds a bit like the sniffles. But he seems to get around fine without any problems. You can see it in the picture.

Has anyone ever seen this? I am trying to decide if I should take him to a vet again just to have this looked at and get another opinion. But, if hes had it for 30 years and is fine... well, maybe leave it alone.

I would appreciate any info or thoughts on this.

Thanks

 

[SailBoat]

You, you need to set an appointment with a Certified Avian Vet and have that blockage cleared (flushed) out. Depending on where you live this may need to occur yearly or on very rare occasion. But, YES, please have it cleared (flushed) sooner rather than later.

FYI: Great looking BFA!

 

[MonicaMc]

It would probably be a good idea to get some tests run as well to ensure he's healthy while you're at it. Amazons are prone to fatty liver disease and vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to sinus issues, too...

 

[Kentuckienne]

I can say from experience that this condition can be caused by an infection in the sinuses or skull space, and the bird can tolerate it for years. But if it is an infection in the area of the nares, and it gets into the brain, the bird will die quickly. I second the advice to get to a certified Avian vet, not a regular vet, to have the bird seen and tested for infections. Also - some vets flush the nose with a syringe, and this is very painful to the bird. One of the things I'm most ashamed of in my life is I stood and watched a vet do that to our parrot, the poor thing screaming pitifully, and didn't speak up because I figured the vet knew when to stop. But this wasn't a CAV, just a vet with lots of experience with parrots. You can find youtube videos of vets cleaning the nares properly under mild anesthesia - there are concretions that have to be dug out with a tool, and it hurts.

 

[Kiwibird]

I would have that looked at and treated by an avian vet. I have also heard that plugged nares is caused by an infection (current or even a past infection that caused permanent damages). If nothing else, it can't be comfortable for the poor guy Definitely not something you want a non-avian vet to address though. I could see that being a painful experience to have removed by someone not skilled with birds.

 

[Shine]

Thanks for all the info. I'll call and make an appt today to get him checked out.