Clostridium Infection in African Grey

[jgk]

Our African Grey had been looking bloated in his crop/stomach for the last few days, and yesterday started laying on his stomach with his head down so my Mom took him to emergency and they said he tested gram-positive for Clostridium Overgrowth and prescribed Metronidazole antibiotic and check-up in 2 weeks.

I've been trying to google for more info on this bacterial infection with regards to parrots, but there doesn't seem to be much information, so I was just wondering if anyone has dealt with this with your parrots?

Here is the report if it helps:

 

[Ria.345]

I’m so sorry that your parrot has to deal with this bacterial infection and I completely understand your worries. Hopefully someone can inform you more of this specific type of infection if they’ve dealt with it but also don’t be afraid to ask your avian vet for information as well whether it be them verbally explaining some of your questions about it or them just directing you to some helpful sites where more info is abundant on this topic. Your concerns are valid and I hope for your bird a speedy and healthy recovery!

 

[jgk]

I’m so sorry that your parrot has to deal with this bacterial infection and I completely understand your worries. Hopefully someone can inform you more of this specific type of infection if they’ve dealt with it but also don’t be afraid to ask your avian vet for information as well whether it be them verbally explaining some of your questions about it or them just directing you to some helpful sites where more info is abundant on this topic. Your concerns are valid and I hope for your bird a speedy and healthy recovery!

Thank you

 

[Laurasea]

I'm not familiar with it in birds , but presents in other animals and humans like that. I had it after iv antibiotics , can attest to green cow pie lol. It can be part of normal flora in animals in low numbers, then overgrowth following antibiotics or distribution of normal flora, and other reasons im not familiar with.

Great job in getting to vet, nice report they gave you. Definitely correct antibiotic.

But it can be very serious. Did they talk about support feeding ( like baby burd formula)and warmth? Takes a lot if calories to be sick.
In adult birds crops doesn't stretch like in baby burds so feedings are smaller, they also like it thicker, thick enough to stay on finger sbd not drip off Warmth, well stirred thick like yogurt but still able to draw up in syringe. Let them control their own head and offer encourage at beak tip. Often after a taste they like . Give slow. Adjust to your burd, start with smaller amounts and work up .
Warmth is healing and saves calories. Cooked warm sweet potatoes has vitamin A and the fiber might help with stool.

I use sweeter heater radiant heat panel as found on Amazon smallest size more than enough have to set back from cage testing warmth. Or K&H makes a cage warmer tgey can snuggle up to. Recommend warmth if environment for sick bird 80-85f

Well wishes for speedy recovery!

 

[Laurasea]

I'm nit sure if they identified as c.diff

Clostridium difficile Infection in Production Animals and Avian Species: A Review - PubMed

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis in hospitalized humans. Recently, C. difficile infection (CDI) has been increasingly recognized as a cause of neonatal enteritis in food animals such as pigs, resulting in stunted growth, delays in weaning...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

From merck
Sensitive viewers warning

Bacterial Diseases of Pet Birds - Bacterial Diseases of Pet Birds - Merck Veterinary Manual

Learn about the veterinary topic of Bacterial Diseases of Pet Birds. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the Merck Vet Manual.

www.merckvetmanual.com

 

[jgk]

I'm nit sure if they identified as c.diff

Clostridium difficile Infection in Production Animals and Avian Species: A Review - PubMed

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis in hospitalized humans. Recently, C. difficile infection (CDI) has been increasingly recognized as a cause of neonatal enteritis in food animals such as pigs, resulting in stunted growth, delays in weaning...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

From merck
Sensitive viewers warning

Bacterial Diseases of Pet Birds - Bacterial Diseases of Pet Birds - Merck Veterinary Manual

Learn about the veterinary topic of Bacterial Diseases of Pet Birds. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the Merck Vet Manual.

www.merckvetmanual.com

Thank you for all the info. My Dad had food poisoning a few weeks ago and I'm wondering if he could've transferred the bacteria our parrot. He lives with my parents so I haven't been able to see him, but my Mom says he's been doing better today and I could hear him signing happily on the phone. Although his crop/stomach still looks bloated from the pics she sent me.

I'm not familiar with it in birds , but presents in other animals and humans like that. I had it after iv antibiotics , can attest to green cow pie lol. It can be part of normal flora in animals in low numbers, then overgrowth following antibiotics or distribution of normal flora, and other reasons im not familiar with.

Great job in getting to vet, nice report they gave you. Definitely correct antibiotic.

But it can be very serious. Did they talk about support feeding ( like baby burd formula)and warmth? Takes a lot if calories to be sick.
In adult birds crops doesn't stretch like in baby burds so feedings are smaller, they also like it thicker, thick enough to stay on finger sbd not drip off Warmth, well stirred thick like yogurt but still able to draw up in syringe. Ler them control their own head abd offer encourage at beak top. Often after a taste they like . Give slow.
Warmth is healing and saves calories. Cooked warm sweet potatoes has vitamin A and the fiber might help with stool.

I use sweeter heater radiant heat panel as found on Amazon smallest size more than enough have to set back from cage testing warmth. Or K&H makes a cage warmer tgey can snuggle up to. Recommend warmth if environment for sick bird 80-85f

Well wishes for speedy recovery!

 

[Laurasea]

That very well could be. I was warned I could spread it to people living with me. Tho this was C.diff, and there are other kinds. I don't have direct experience of this type of infection in birds

I would also start daily weight checks . If not to stressful . As a good way to see if getting enough calories and improving.

 

[jgk]

Here are some pics of his crop/stomach. The ones on the perch are from tonight. The ones in the bathroom are from Sunday when we first noticed it.

 

[Laurasea]

Poor baby.....gi issues can be painful.
This is a very sick burd. I can see tge slight fluffed and hock resting besides the obvious star gazing
If you can offer an extra thick perch to rest on, like if you make an open c with your hand one that big will support a weak burd and let them rest better.
For sickies I really limit activity, keeping caged, except for some quite hang out time for support.
Offering favorite foods, bumping seeds offered, just nothing sugary. Maybe offer a little boiled egg. Sick burds can burn 3 times their normal calories . So even if eating offering a support feed of baby burd formula can help.
Warmth. Turn up heat in your house. Look into a radiant heat source but nit a heat lamp which is dangerous.

 

[jgk]

Poor baby.....gi issues can be painful.
This is a very sick burd. I can see tge slight fluffed and hock resting besides the obvious star gazing
If you can offer an extra thick perch to rest on, like if you make an open c with your hand one that big will support a weak burd and let them rest better.
For sickies I really limit activity, keeping caged, except for some quite hang out time for support.
Offering favorite foods, bumping seeds offered, just nothing sugary. Maybe offer a little boiled egg. Sick burds can burn 3 times their normal calories . So even if eating offering a support feed of baby burd formula can help.
Warmth. Turn up heat in your house. Look into a radiant heat source but nit a heat lamp which is dangerous.

Thanks. He has done the star-gazing thing randomly over the years, so I don't know if that's related. We took him to the vet for it once and they didn't think it was anything. He could just be sleepy in that pic because it was very close to bedtime.

I'm concerned about the bloated abdomen/crop because I've read that Clostridium can cause a gas bubble and if untreated can lead to necrosis of the tissue. Do you know if the Metronidazole helps with relieving the gas/pressure? I read it has anti-inflammatory properties so it would seem to. I just want to make sure he has all the medicine needed.

 

[Laurasea]

That's questions for your veterinarian as beyond my knowledge. But I think the veterinarian would have prescribed the medication he thought he needed.

Its helpful to make a list of questions and concerns , then discuss with veterinarian. Hopefully your veterinarian is an certified avian specialist?

 

[jgk]

That's questions for your veterinarian as beyond my knowledge. But I think the veterinarian would have prescribed the medication he thought he needed.

Its helpful to make a list of questions and concerns , then discuss with veterinarian. Hopefully your veterinarian is an certified avian specialist?

yeah I think we have a good vet. I will ask them tomorrow. Just worried tonight and it's too late to call. I appreciate all your help, thanks.

 

[Laurasea]

hope you will have some good updates? How's everything going?