Help - Sick Cockatiel - Distended Proventriculus

[SD1030]

my vet did an x ray contrast dye on my cockatiel and discovered that he had a distended proventriculus and ventriculus. She suspects Borna virus. She also said that another cause could be ingestion of metals.

Are there any other causes for the proventriculus and ventriculus to be distended besides the above two?

Anyone else have experience with this, and have it not be bornavirus?

i would really appreciate your help and insight!

 

[Flboy]

Hi! I am of zero help, except for the ability to bump your post back into daylight!

 

[chris-md]

That’s more a question for your vet, not a bunch of non-vet strangers on a forum. We aren’t qualified to give you an answer unfortunately (though we can more than empathize and be a shoulder!).

Had your vet done diagnostics for heavy metal poisoning?

 

[Laurasea]

I'm sorry you are going through this.
I found one source that has parasites, that caused ....most articles are about the borna virus

https://bioone.org/journals/journal...ricular-Lesions-and/10.1638/2010-0143.1.short

 

[SD1030]

Yes my vet said it’s most likely bornavirus or heavy metal poisoning. She doesn’t see evidence for heavy metal poisoning; although ironically I did see some metal shavings on the bottom of his cage, I think maybe from chewing on the calcium block wire that was exposed. Needless to say, I removed it once I saw it.

I’ve been reading articles about other causes, like fungi or bacteria. I know he has a general lack of healthy gut flora - which I’m currently taking care of by giving bene-bac plus.

I’m just wondering if anyone else has any experience with this and have it turn out NOT to be the dreaded borna virus.

I’m so worried and scared
Thank you for the support. I need it.

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[Laurasea]

I can't even imagine. Im stressed enough with treatable chlamydia right now.

What does your bird weigh? Is he loosing weight? Vomiting? Undigested food in poop?

How old is he?
How long have you had him?
What is his diet?
Where did you get him?
What part of the country are you in?
What symptoms made you seek veterinarian care?

And when ever a serious diagnosis is given it never hurts to seek a second opinion. Abd thst not a judgment or lack of faith in your current veterinarian. There is a veterinarian consultation that yiu vdt csn do with a company thst has specifically specialized staff, let me see if I have link

 

[SD1030]

My cockatiel is 8 years old
50% seeds 50% pellets and lots of veggies
I’ve had him for 7.5 years.
I live in Los Angeles.
Eating fine, energy is fine, poop looks fine.
The main issue is he’s having these weird breathing episodes - where it looks like he’s exhaling, and almost like a wet hiccup.


It’s such an odd thing. It usually lasts 1-2 minutes and then goes away. It doesn’t happen every day. Maybe 3 times a week.

He was placed on clavamox and nystatin, and it did improve slightly, but still there.

I should say the vet said his entire GI is lacking in healthy gut flora - I’ve been using bene-bac for that.


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[Laurasea]

Frankly clsvamox sucks in burds, amoxicillin drugs are a very poor choice in birds...
You need a new avain vet
None of those symptoms suggest a problem with proventriculus, as you aren't having wasting, and undigested food in poop.
I prefer to give live culture Greek yogurt with no artificial sweetners...

 

[SD1030]

I used clavamox and nystatin for 10 days. Albeit the first couple of days I was still learning how to administer the meds appropriately.

He’s still sneezing. Clear mucus. He was now given Azithromycin.


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[SD1030]

He just had a stroke/seizure. Paralysis on his left side for 1 min. He regained control. I’m so scared. I’m at the ER vet right now.


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[Ira7]

I don’t pray, but I’m praying for you now.

 

[Laurasea]

So hoping you and your baby are ok...I hope they can help. That he pulls through. It hurts to hear everything you 2 have gone through.
I will be watching for your updates. And add my prayers for recovery.

 

[Scott]

So sad and avoidable, hope the ER vet has access to avian vet talent.

 

[Laurasea]

This gives some good info on PDS
https://lbah.com/avian/proventricular-dilatation-syndrome-pds/