Is my Macaw ill?

[Mangotango91]

Hi guys

my blue and gold macaw, Mango, has been making some frightening noises and I'm worried she might be in pain. There's a google link below with a recording.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mq8W3uvurR5wE1dM8

 

[Owlet]

I'm not an expert or anything but honestly looks like a URI (Upper respiratory infection) of some kind. I suggest vet help asap. Does she have discharge around her nares?

 

[Owlet]

Yes definitely take her in ASAP! URI's are probably one of the largest killers when it comes to parrots (someone can correct me if I am wrong) they're easy to treat in a lot of cases though just needs to the appropriate meds and care.

 

[Mangotango91]

I'm not an expert or anything but honestly looks like a URI (Upper respiratory infection) of some kind. I suggest vet help asap. Does she have discharge around her nares?

No discharge but she did have an infection about a year ago. I took her in last week to get her stool checked out (excessive urea) and he didn't mention if the infection came back though he did prescribe antibiotics in case she has a renal infection. I'll have to bring it up to him.

 

[Mangotango91]

Yes definitely take her in ASAP! URI's are probably one of the largest killers when it comes to parrots (someone can correct me if I am wrong) they're easy to treat in a lot of cases though just needs to the appropriate meds and care.

I'm really hoping that's not the case but if it is I hope the antibiotics will work this time. She hates the treatment! Although I don't blame her the antibiotics smell like gasoline, apple flavor my ***

 

[Sunnyclover]

Yes you Macaw is ill! Take to a vet immediately! I'm seriously worried. Please update us!

 

[Mangotango91]

Thanks you guys I'll let you know what the vet says.

 

[ChristaNL]

any news ?

 

[Scott]

The video seems to portray a bird in awkward position, the vocals seem strained. Have you been taking your macaw to a certified avian vet, or equivalent?
Please keep us updated, hope all is well.

 

[Mangotango91]

So I spoke to her vet and he recommended more tests such as a radiograph and an endoscopy exam to get a clear diagnosis. He says we can try antibiotics incase it's an infection (which she's already taking). So I think I will continue her antibiotic treatment and if the problem continues I'll take her in for the extra examinations. It might be wishful thinking but I didn't hear her make any noises yesterday, so maybe the antibiotics are working. Also, I found out her vet is not a certified AAV veterinarian so thanks for bringing that up. There's a good place that's certified in my area I think I will take her there next time.

 

[wrench13]

See if you can get her medical records to show the new vet. It helps a lot.

 

[MonicaMc]

What about a gram stain and blood work? Has the vet done those tests?


The nearest certified AAV near me is easily 2-3 hours away... but I still feel quite competent with the vet I have. I do understand though that not all vets are that great with birds! I have two vets in my area that I avoid going to them if at all possible!

 

[Mangotango91]

What about a gram stain and blood work? Has the vet done those tests?


The nearest certified AAV near me is easily 2-3 hours away... but I still feel quite competent with the vet I have. I do understand though that not all vets are that great with birds! I have two vets in my area that I avoid going to them if at all possible!

I'm not completely sure but I think the endoscopy exam is a gram stain. At least the vet said the endoscopy is to cultivate the cultures in the affected areas. She had a blood panel done last time I took her in and nothing showed except her uric acid levels were a little high.

 

[MonicaMc]

Endoscopy... that's internal examination.

A gram stain is just taking a sample of their poop and looking at it under a microscope after adding some chemicals to it to make certain bacteria show up well.

 

[Mangotango91]

Oh, no she hasn't had a fecal exam yet. Have you had any success with that test?

 

[MonicaMc]

Yes. It's the most common test my vet performs on sick birds as it can pick up on many infections that are in the digestive tract and is non-invasive. It's also one of the cheaper tests.

 

[Scott]

Endoscopy is a valuable internal peek, but typically done when non-invasive testing fails to provide clear diagnosis. Involves anesthesia and one area of insertion, two if a biopsy is needed.

 

[Mangotango91]

This will bankrupt me ��

 

[Mangotango91]

So I thought it would be a good idea to get Mango health insurance but the only company who provides for exotic birds is Nationwide and they eliminate any pre-existing conditions from coverage. I asked for her health records from the vet and it says he diagnosed Mango with Infection, Gastritis, Enteritis and Vitamin A deficiency the first time he saw her over a year ago. I'm kind of pissed because he didn't complete any tests or anything to conclude those diagnoses it was just a standard check up and I don't even remember him bringing up gastritis and enteritis. Is it appropriate to ask him to adjust the records for insurance purposes?

 

[chris-md]

So first, yes, that would be insurance fraud.

Second, those don’t exactly qualify as pre existing conditions as they are acute symptoms that go away eventually. Except maybe vitamin a deficiency depending on if it’s diet related or a genetic issue.

It’s like trying to classify the flu as a predicting condition.