Diarrhea - HELP!!!

[Voelie]

My African Grey is very sick with diarrhea. I have contacted all the vets in my area & no-one knows what to do! I'm desperate! It has always been a very healthy bird. I am giving it water with Rehidrat and probiotics but this is only treating symptoms, I need to deal with the cause - could it be bacterial, parasitic or a toxin? It started with food being vomitted up 2 days ago and then watery diarrhea. Should I try an antibiotic? Now it is very weak, feathers fluffed, sitting on 2 legs in one place. No runny nose or breathing problems. Someone may have given it a cheese flavoured puff crisp - could this be toxic? Any advice gratefully accepted. I'm frantic!

 

[Spiritbird]

You need to contact an avain vet, even if it is a long drive. Sorry your bird is sick but we are not experts or vets at treating a sick bird such as yours. Diarrhea in a bird can be caused by many things such as you stated. The droppings need to be checked under a microscope. I do know from previous experience here on the forum SA has many companion birds, especially the young ones with beak and feather disease.
http://www.avianbiotech.com/diseases/PBFD.htm

 

[npandora]

Please see an avian vet asap.
unfortantly I have expierence dealing with these symptoms. Both of these symptoms are very serious and could be a result of many different things. Please see an avian vet but in the meantime make sure the bird stays warm.

 

[MikeyTN]

Like its already mentioned, take him to the vet ASAP, don't even wait. Birds can die very quickly from being sick, should never take that type of risk!

 

[Blackfang320]

i agree take her asap and keep her warm and hydrated and make sure she knows you love her

 

[Voelie]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I realise it is difficult for anyone to diagnose without investigation but the vets we have contacted seem to know or care very little about birds. I fear it is already too late - he is now lying at the bottom of the cage. We nursed him until late last night - he's in a cardboard box on a towel with a warm water bottle to keep him warm, we are giving him the Rehidrat liquid every 30min. He is a part of our family for the last 10 years - he just walked into our home one day & we have no idea where he came from! At first he was wild & afraid to be touched but we spent a lot of time with him & he grew to trust us calling us over to stroke his head. We are devastated. We found a vet who claimed to know birds but offered no constructive advice!!!! It is so painful to watch him die...

 

[c3honey84]

You have to go to an AVIAN CERTIFIED VET in your area asap. Here, go to this website: The Association of Avian Veterinarians | Association. Put in your city and it will list them. Even if it is an hour or so away, you MUST go.

 

[MikeyTN]

The longer you wait the worse the condition gets. Where are you located at? Is there not a big city near by? You must listen to the advice that's given to you. There is nothing you can do for him if he's that sick. I know if its one of my babies, I drive to where ever that has a vet that can see my bird...

 

[Abzeez]

Most vets, if you ask, can tell you where the nearest avain vet is in your area. Please take him in. You may still be able to save him.

 

[Voelie]

We would have done anything & paid any price to save him if only we could've found a helpful vet. We spent over $6000 on our sick dog even when the oncology vet gave him a slim chance of survival (he's fine now) so our animals are regarded as part of our family.
We are in Durban, South Africa & unfortunately our Grey fell ill over a set of public holidays so no vet was keen to help. The only avian vet we could find said she was too busy! We took poop to her to be tested at the lab & they were unable to find anything wrong or do any bloodwork. None of the vets were able to diagnose the problem.
This is the first time I've been able to face coming back to this forum as we've been grieving his loss - he died shortly after my last post. He is gone but will never be forgotten. The house is eerily quiet.
Thanks to all who offered suggestions, links & support.

 

[Voelie]

Thanks C3honey84 for the link but no avian vets found for country South Africa!

 

[Spiritbird]

It may help you to get a necropsy done to find out why the bird died. Most especially if you want to get another bird. Please read this thread for vet contact information in SA.

Vets in your area !!!!!!!