Parrot unwell but difficult to diagnose

[foxgloveparrot]

Haha, yeah, but if you can accommodate to having your birds out all day, that's great!

But please don't use my cages as an example.

Ok, sorry. I won't again.

 

[StormyPica]

Ok, sorry. I won't again.

That was more directed at the OP, who may take my cages as an example.

Ofc you know

 

[StormyPica]

Here's another example of a pretty good setup. This is mine.
Cages (left to right: parrotlet, budgie pair, senegal):

View attachment 35243
Sleep cage (left) and indoor aviary

Stands/gyms/play areas

Is that a Jasper I see in the backround?

 

[foxgloveparrot]

Is that a Jasper I see in the backround?

Lol yes! But let's avoid getting off topic

 

[StormyPica]

Lol yes! But let's avoid getting off topic

Yup, agreed, but I couldn't resist!

Anything else anyone wants to add regarding husbandry?

 

[Laurasea]

we should get back on track.

And remember there are many places in this world that do not have access to cages, toys, even quality food. There are cultural differences as well.

In helping people and parrots, there is no need to give them a pounding. Or drive them away.

This poster obviously cares for his bird! He has already sought a veterinarian consultation. And continued to worry so sought our help.

Stormy don't you have a budgie that has health issues but has yet to be taken to vet?

And while this cage is on the small side, it could be the burds spends most of its life out of the cage.

 

[StormyPica]

we should get back on track.

And remember there are many places in this world that do not have access to cages, toys, even quality food. There are cultural differences as well.

In helping people and parrots, there is no need to give them a pounding. Or drive them away.

This poster obviously cares for his bird! He has already sought a veterinarian consultation. And continued to worry so sought our help.

Stormy don't you have a budgie that has health issues but has yet to be taken to vet?

And while this cage is on the small side, it could be the burds spends most of its life out of the cage.

We are just making sure he's ok! We already said we didn't mean to be harsh.

And Picasso's health issue has resolved itself so we cancelled the vet apponiment.

We are not driving anyone away, or not trying to anyhow.

We also can't assume that the OP cares for their bird well. They may think they do because that's all they know, when they're not. I noticed the rusty cage with the single metal perch and gave some advice, that's all.

 

[Laurasea]

I'm giving honest feed back from my perspective in reading this thread.

 

[Laurasea]

Quiet walker,

The videos are subtle. If you look at your birds eyes , do they shake back and forth or twitching? Thats called nystagmus. It's often present in balance issues. It can be a sign of neurological issues, from trauma, an infection, possibly chronic zinc or metal toxicity, or nutritional deficiencies, viral, or other things.

You have done great to seek veterinarian expertise . Sometimes we have to seek a second opinion from a different veterinarian. Or wait to see if more symptoms make diagnosis easier.

It is so subtle, thst I'm unsure.
Anything else going on?

 

[Scott]

I’ve brought it to a vet but it may have been difficult to diagnose as the vet claims it is ok.

Welcome Arul, hope your bird will improve over time. Is your vet an avian specialist with specialized credentials? Many practices accept "exotics" without comprehensive knowledge, training, and equipment. Some but not all capable of reasonable to excellent care. Others treat in scattershot method, treating symptoms without clear diagnosis.

 

[vsk101]

It seems like a vet visit is in order to another avian specialist. you can do a search for one here. https://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 Please see the footnote (vets with these credentials will be some of the best trained vets for birds): Note: Dipl and ABVP indicate the member is a board certified diplomate in the specialty indicated.

If your bird continues to have problem and you locate an avian vet near you, it's possible for your vet to request a consultation with a specialist.

 

[HeatherG]

A big hi to all!

I think my peach face parakeet has some equilibrium issue. It seems to have lost some vision and when it stands still, it’s head inadvertently rolls back.

I’ve brought it to a vet but it may have been difficult to diagnose as the vet claims it is ok.

Does anyone have a clue or has seen similar issues?

I have below 2 links to show samples;

Much thanks for your kind response in advance!

Arul

Hi, I think your lovebird seems to be having some neurological issues. I see his head being pulled back over and over. He adjusts his posture and the head pulls back again. I would wonder if he flew into a window or hit his head. I know that metal poisoning and virus infection can also cause these neurological signs.

I would make sure that his water source is clean and he is not chewing on anything funny. (My sister poisoned my budgie when I was a child by watering him from a metal watering can.). Birds like to chew on things and can eat things they should not, like lead paint chips or lead weights in curtains. They can get virus from the breeder or pet store or wild birds, too.

If you can take him to a veterinarian that would be the best thing. Do any of these suggestions sound likely? Keep him warm and eating and drinking what he likes and will eat best. Eventually it would be good to get him eating fruit and vegetables, like unsalted things from your meals.

Please let us know how he is doing. I understand that not every place has equal access to special cages or food or veterinarians. Take care.

 

[HeatherG]

Quiet walker,

The videos are subtle. If you look at your birds eyes , do they shake back and forth or twitching? Thats called nystagmus. It's often present in balance issues. It can be a sign of neurological issues, from trauma, an infection, possibly chronic zinc or metal toxicity, or nutritional deficiencies, viral, or other things.

You have done great to seek veterinarian expertise . Sometimes we have to seek a second opinion from a different veterinarian. Or wait to see if more symptoms make diagnosis easier.

It is so subtle, thst I'm unsure.
Anything else going on?

I wasnt Able to see any funny eye tracking (stuttering? Not sure how to call it) on the videos but that would have been hard to note. The videos are dark so it’s hard to tell.

I really hope this person comes back. We want to know how your peach faced lovebird is doing! Please let us know.

 

[Laurasea]

yes it would be hard to see on a video. In person i had to shine a flashlight in my budgies eyes, its like the eye is vibrating in place almost.. I should have taken a video, but the internet has everything probably someone has.

I also hope the poster comes back.

 

[HeatherG]

yes it would be hard to see on a video. In person i had to shine a flashlight in my budgies eyes, its like the eye is vibrating in place almost.. I should have taken a video, but the internet has everything probably someone has.

I also hope the poster comes back.

I do know what you’re referring to. I was watching the videos for that but I couldn’t see that eye movement.

So many things could be going on with this bird. Emergencies need to be addressed first before comments about cage size and etc. people keep birds differently in other parts of the world. Most people do the best they can.

 

[Laurasea]

Heather, I did not see eyes doing this, just confirmed would be difficult to see on video, and asked OP to look for it.

 

[Ramble]

Hello again, Quietwalker- how is your little one doing today? Any change in symptoms?

 

[HeatherG]

Heather, I did not see eyes doing this, just confirmed would be difficult to see on video, and asked OP to look for it.

Yes, I understand.

 

[Terry57]

Hi, I think your lovebird seems to be having some neurological issues. I see his head being pulled back over and over. He adjusts his posture and the head pulls back again. I would wonder if he flew into a window or hit his head. I know that metal poisoning and virus infection can also cause these neurological signs.

I would make sure that his water source is clean and he is not chewing on anything funny. (My sister poisoned my budgie when I was a child by watering him from a metal watering can.). Birds like to chew on things and can eat things they should not, like lead paint chips or lead weights in curtains. They can get virus from the breeder or pet store or wild birds, too.

If you can take him to a veterinarian that would be the best thing. Do any of these suggestions sound likely? Keep him warm and eating and drinking what he likes and will eat best. Eventually it would be good to get him eating fruit and vegetables, like unsalted things from your meals.

Please let us know how he is doing. I understand that not every place has equal access to special cages or food or veterinarians. Take care.

A head injury was also my first thought.
Quietwalker, how is your baby doing this morning? I hope he is getting better.
I'm so glad you joined us, and I truly hope you'll come back again.

 

[Tiki Bird]

Is it possible your little bird fell or crashed into something? It might have a concussion- vision issues, coordination, drowsiness can all be signs of a neurological issue. I second finding another vet and getting another opinion. and show them the videos if you can. Good luck!

I thought this as well. Keep her warm and feed her well, with vegies and maybe a bit of chopped egg. Animals can still function with a neurological issue as long as they can stand, and eat. Be very careful about letting her fly as she may have balancing issues.