Heavy Metal Poisoning

[HRM]

Hi Everyone,

I recently discovered the parrot forum and was hoping someone can help.

Kiwi, my 12-year old parrotlet, is not feeling very well.

In March, we took her to an avian vet, did some x-rays and discovered that she had heavy metal poisoning. The vet prescribed DMSA and we've been giving it to her twice a day since then. We visited the vet a second time in April to see if the piece of metal had shifted and/or decreased in size but unfortunately nothing changed. We started giving her peanut butter and got some oyster shells (the Hari brand) but it doesn't seem like it's helping much.

She has lost so much of her feathers and her scalp is now visible, she keeps losing her balance and falling, she vomits from time-to-time, and she sleeps most of the time. She looks extremely tired. However, her appetite hasn't changed - hopefully it will not.

I was wondering whether anyone has had a similar experience and if you had any advice or tips and tricks that can help.

I joined a copy of Kiwi's x-ray. The metal is the large shiny object.

We are visiting the vet tomorrow to make sure that Kiwi didn't develop an infection.

Thank you, in advance

 

[noodles123]

That is stressful- your bird is doing a form of chelation therapy (which is typical) but there are some different types, so you might look into that. Here is a link I found

https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/lead-and-zinc-toxicity-in-birds/


Have they x-rayed to see if the blockage has moved? I know the risk is it getting absorbed but chelation is standard protocol for metal poisoning
Surgical removal may also be an option, depending on the location and your vet's skill-set/equipment

 

[HRM]

Hi,

Thank you for your help and information.

We took Kiwi to her avian vet today for an emergency consultation.

We asked them to show us how to administer the DMSA medication since we were not doing it properly, which explains why we didn't notice improvements. Kiwi spits most of the medication out.

I had attached a copy of the x-ray picture in my previous post. I didn't think the metal could/is causing a blockage. I'll ask the vet if this is a possibility in our next consultation.

The vet said that the DMSA will coat the metal, which will allow the metal to slowly breakup and she would poop it out. She said to give Kiwi a bit of Metamucil to help speed up the process.

Kiwi's vet specializes in exotic animals. She said since Kiwi is small, operating would be risky and I feel like Kiwi will not make it through an operation.

Thanks, once again, I appreciate your help and all the information I can get

 

[Scott]

Very sorry to meet you on the forum during such stressful time. Thankfully you consulted an avian vet and had X-Ray, gold standard for diagnosing heavy metal poisoning when object remains in body. Medicine intake can be challenging with parrots! If difficulty persists, ask the vet if meds can be mixed with foods as disguise. Many of us use oatmeal, soaked bread, mashed sweet potato/yams, etc.

Wishing Kiwi a full recovery, feel free to post progress updates!!

 

[SailBoat]

So very sorry that your sweet baby is having to deal with Heavy Metal Poisoning. It is my hope that you have found the source and removed it so that additional intake is eliminated!

Diet is important as the energy stores of the body is having demands placed on it. Ensure that you are providing a diet rich in fresh foods, especially veggies.

 

[Laurasea]

feed sweet potatoes and pumpkin cooked. The extra fiber will help. Once a member has vet prescribed Metamucil, but I find have personal experience with that.

Hope your baby feels better soonest

 

[HRM]

Hi Everyone,
Thank you for all your advice. I will definitely try giving her cooked sweet potato and pumpkin.
We are not sure what the source is but the vet said it seems like its one piece of metal

 

[Laurasea]

Often they find jewelry....or shinny stuff. It is a big piece for sure. So glad you got treatment

 

[HRM]

Yes it does look big
She looks very tired and it breaks my heart.
I dont really know what to do to make her feel better. I am giving her all of her favorite foods: + +oatmeal, peppers, and a bit of walnuts just to entice her to eat. She is eating with her eyes closed.
Does anyone know how long it takes to see positive signs?
I read some birds showed signs of improvement after just two days. Maybe I took to long to give her treatment. The first avian vet had told us she suspected cancer and prescribed a bunch of meds without testing. I asked if its cancer then why are you treating with meds? Her answer was Kiwi is old. I wasn't satisfied and looked for another avian vet.
Thank you all for your help and support... I wouldn't wish this to happen to any parrot out there

 

[noodles123]

I'm glad you looked because I was just saying in a previous post, that sometimes, even avian vets just get tired and human and lazy..Not for lack of trying, but it's like teacher burn-out I think...It just has to be exhausting but that is why asking your own questions still matters so much (so good for you on digging deeper!!!)


Hang in there..Keep asking, keep reading and I hop you get a solution soon!

 

[Scott]

Disheartening to know Kiwi's treatment was delayed by less than competent avian vet. I have not dealt with heavy metal poisoning, might take a bit of time to respond. Nutritional support and lots of love the best assist to chelation therapy. Hope you see improvement very soon!