Diabetic Blue and Gold

[misscoot]

Please... I am looking for anyone who has or has had a diabetic bird that would be willing to offer their experience and information as far as treatment and diet. I have a macaw who has just been diagnosed with it and there is very little information out there. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Flboy]

Hang in there/here for a bit, there are several extremely knowledgeable folks here that will have what you need! Because of the holidays, it may take a day or two.

 

[misscoot]

Thank you. I have tried several different forums and so far not a lot of luck. Some info but most from the internet that I already found. I would like to find someone who has dealt with this. This is a large forum so hopefully there is someone here! Thanks again.

 

[Kentuckienne]

Just giving the thread a bump. Maybe it would do well in the Health forum?

 

[GaleriaGila]

I wonder if, like human diabetes, it can be managed (even reversed?) with proper diet, weight loss, exercise...?
Some references
https://www.beautyofbirds.com/diabetes.html
Diabetes in Birds
http://www.petcha.com/diabetic-pet-birds/

I would also hope you have an avian veterinarian who could coach you in detail.

Good luck!

 

[Kentuckienne]

This post made me curious,so I went to look it up. Diabetes in birds is different than in humans ... With humans it's an insulin deficit, and with birds it's too much sugar being formed. It seems to happen when the bird has pancreatitis or sometimes an infection and sounds challenging to manage. Some papers described an oral medication, and some said the condition resolved when the underlying infection was cured. I had no idea. Parrots are so complicated.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Kentuckienne... WORD.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for joining! I hope your continued posts will be for more joyous reasons!!

I haven't dealt with parrot diabetes and have no awareness of treatments or precautions. Is your vet an avian specialist? Very important for systemic illnesses to be properly diagnosed.

If you wish this thread can be moved to the Health Forum for possible increased exposure. Just post here or feel free to PM me!!

 

[misscoot]

Thank you all for your responses. Because of the outpouring of information, thoughts and ideas from several different forums I have reached out to, I am having quite a time trying to research, understand and keep up with all the posts and responses and have been quite overwhelmed. I really appreciate all the people who have taken the time to respond to my post but please forgive me if I do not respond back. I read them all in hopes of learning anything new etc but I find that I am limited on how much time I can put into replies right now. Mickey is being seen by an avian vet and I will post again re: her progress when possible. Thank you again for your help, kindness and concern. Debbie

 

[chris-md]

Your post has me a bit confused. Have you taken your parrot to an avian vet? It sounds like your have a diagnosis of diabetes but not given a course of treatment.

Either that or you've self diagnosed diabetes?

Either way I think the information you are seeking is best obtained from a vet who can teach you how to manage the condition.

 

[Kentuckienne]

Thank you all for your responses. Because of the outpouring of information, thoughts and ideas from several different forums I have reached out to, I am having quite a time trying to research, understand and keep up with all the posts and responses and have been quite overwhelmed. I really appreciate all the people who have taken the time to respond to my post but please forgive me if I do not respond back. I read them all in hopes of learning anything new etc but I find that I am limited on how much time I can put into replies right now. Mickey is being seen by an avian vet and I will post again re: her progress when possible. Thank you again for your help, kindness and concern. Debbie

If you have time, it would be great if you could come back and post an update: what treatment(s) was recommended, how did it work out.... and this thread might become a valuable resource for another parront, maybe years down the road. Good luck to you and to Mickey.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I'll second that, Kentuckienne!
Ya never know what questions may come along...

 

[misscoot]

Yes Mickey was seen and been diagnosed by an avian vet. And NO I am not self-diagnosing. But in doing research and trying to find someone who has actually has a parrot with diabetes, I have been receiving a lot of information and ideas etc. including articles for and against insulin as treatment and also ones about the possibility of misdiagnosis etc. So little known and lots of ideas. Just trying to sort it all out. Yes my vet has suggested treatment with insulin but when you have other specialist questioning that treatment and has their own ideas it can be very confusing. Right now we are trying glipizide in her water to see if this will help but sugar is still very high at times. Also trying to work with someone who has a lot of experience with diet and nutirition to find a low carb low sugar diet that will also put some weight back on her. Yes I will try to post an update when possible. Please keep me in mind if anyone knows of someone who has dealt with this with their parrot and would be willing to give me any possible advice. My email is debelm2@hotmail.com Thank you again for your kindness, advice and well wishes. Debbie