Excessive Urination

[zazubird]

Okay, so in the past few months, I have been going through a lot with my Senegal. First, I want to say that he is my baby, I'm constantly with him, I feed him fresh veggies and fruits as well as pellets and seed (Still converting him to full pellet) everyday.

So about 3 months ago, I noticed a bald spot developing on the back of his neck. It appeared as if the skin were really flaky and he would scratch everyday. I took him to the vet and they prescribed him Tresaderm. Little did I know, this had a steroid in it which should NEVER be used on parrots! After about 7 days of applying a drop to the affected area, he became very lethargic. I immediately began to research this only to find out that Tresaderm should not be used on birds of any kinds. The next day he was much more lethargic so I made an emergency appt with the vet. He immediately said that the steroid caused this. After finding excessive bacteria in his feces, the doctor now prescribed him doxycycline for ten days. I had to administer his medication twice daily, as well as hand feeding formula, and water all through a syringe. I had to do this because he lost all his strength and was no longer to able to stand on his food and water dish. After day 3, he started responding significantly to treatment. Within the ten days, he was back to his normal self.

Since than, everything has been pretty normal, he is going through a molt right now and has restored a lot of those lost feathers. HOWEVER, ever since he was on the tresaderm, I have noticed that he has consistently watery droppings. His feces and urates appear to be very healthy, however his urine is excessive. In fact, today, I immediately notice that during one bowl movement, nothing came out but urine. The color remains clear but there is just excessive amounts. It worries me that he might have kidney problems. I have made an appt for this Monday to get blood work done to check all his electrolytes, etc...

If any of you have any knowledge or experience regarding this, it would be much appreciated. I am desperate and don't know where else to turn. Please help my feathered friend.

Thanks everyone!
Jared

 

[greycloud]

Welcome Jared. Your poor little guy! Being that he stopped the tresaderm 3 months ago I would be surprised if this is what is causing the excess urine. While steroids do have that effect it should be out of his system by now. Feeding lots of fruits can cause excess urine. Try cutting back and if it continues have some blood work to test kidney function. I hope he is OK.

 

[zazubird]

Thanks for your feedback. Well the thing is, he really doesnt get to much fruit. Its more vegetables like broccolli, cauliflower, and fiborous things like that. This has all been a huge mystery. I have an appt for the vet on monday to get some bloodwork done. Thanks greycloud!

Jared

 

[greycloud]

Do you know what bacteria was found to cause the vet to put him on Doxy? This is usually the drug of choice for respiratory infections. Make sure they do a full blood panel including metal toxicity levels. Here is a quote from a very well known avian vet. Make sure your vet is experienced in avian medicine.

Avian Medicine
Avian Medicine
By Thomas N. Tully, Martin P. C. Lawton, G. M. Dorrestein

Pg 29
Urine
It is normal for a small amount of urine to be produced as part of each dropping. The amount that is passed is extremely variable. The abundance of a watery component may be indicative of many problems, including psychogenic drinking, renal disease, hepatic disease or diabetes mellitus (especially common in cockatiels). Abundance of urine can also be noted in a stressed bird, such as one that has travelled to the surgery and is being examined. Markedly excessive urine should always be investigated further to confirm if the cause is physiological or pathological, and whether it is a primary or secondary polyurea. Primary polyurea may be indicative of renal failure, which can be associated with infection, neoplasia, immune-mediated complexes (such as can occur with chronic chlamydiosis) or toxic damage. Secondary polyurea is associated with nay cause of polydipsia, for example: diabetes mellitus or insipidus; pituitary disease or neoplasia; adrenal disorders of neoplasia; hyperthyroidism; iatrogenic causes (e.g. corticosteroids, aminoglycosides, progestergens); hyper- or hypocalcaemia; vitamin A deficiency; excess dietary protein, hypervitminosis D3; or excess dietary salt.

Urine should always be examined on an impervious surface as soon as possible after voiding. It should be tested for pH, glucose, sediment, ketones, colour and specific gravity using a standard dip stick test.​

 

[zazubird]

No I'm not sure what bacteria was found. I will definitely have them run a full panel test being that's the only way to find out whats really wrong. Thanks so much for the help!!
Jared