Sherbert's Diagnosis

[Sherbert.the.Bird]

So I haven't been on here as much as I would have hoped, but with my return comes some unfortunate news. After a year or so of owning my beautiful girl, Sherbet, one test finally confirmed my greatest fear. Sherbert has PBFD(or Pscittacine Beak and Feather Disease). I was devastated by this and still am, but I realized I need to stay strong for Sherbert. She's depending on me more than ever. The Avian Vet in my area has not seen PBFD here since 1994, so the results of the test came as a shock to her as well. Right now, Sherbert still has 65-70% of her feathers, but is currently balding on her head and has not had any primary, secondary, or tail feathers for quite some time. She's still eating well enough, but I can see her appetite decreasing and she's always been terrified of handling so I won't be able to get a weight on her since I don't want to stress her out any more than she might already be. We (the vet and I) are keeping her on Interferon to ward off any secondary infections, so hopefully that will help.
I guess, all I ask for is support from the community and words of advice for dealing with birds with PBFD in relation to severe signs to watch for. Thanks for the love and support.

 

[Scott]

I am so sorry to hear of this diagnosis. Do you and/or the vet believe a retest is necessary to confirm?

Did a search to find many threads discussing PBFD. Some are represented below; you can use the search engine if desired to comb through the archives. I don't have any first-hand experiences to share, but know you and the vet will provide the very best support possible.

http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/74113-beak-feather-disease.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/67381-s-been-too-long-yet-again.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/57099-pbfd-looking-advice.html

I am sure some of our members with experience or knowledge will step up!

 

[Terry57]

I am so sorry, what a terrible diagnosis. Keeping you & Sherbert in my prayers.
The only words of advice I have is to be really careful before going anywhere where there are other birds without washing up well and using clothes that weren't around her.
Here is a link with some info:
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)

I am just so sorry, but am hoping that Sherbert will still have quality time ahead of her.

 

[Sherbert.the.Bird]

In terms of a retest, I'd love to be able to do one and get a different result, but unfortunately, everything she's gone through in the past year lines up perfectly with PBFD. The only consolation I can really take from this is the fact that she hasn't had anything severe in relation to her beak or nails. I'm just doing everything possible to make her comfortable.

 

[Jen5200]

I’m so sorry to hear about the diagnosis. It sounds like you are taking amazing care of her and she’s very lucky to be with you. Sending warm thoughts and feathered hugs to you both.

 

[itchyfeet]

Argh, that's gutting. I'm sorry.

I know that knowledge is power and therefore the research is invaluable, but I can also understand that that is going to be a heart wrenching process. A wee internet search for Rhea the Naked Lovebird might be able to add a little light during this dark time.

 

[Sherbert.the.Bird]

Thank you everyone for the warm thoughts and various links to check out. One of the hardest parts of this process is knowing what she might go through. I want to believe she'll keep fighting as long as she's able, but how much suffering is she going to be going through during that fight? Another was a personal promise to help her back to the point where she'd be able to fly again after her botched wing clipping when I first got her and the knowledge, now, that she will very unlikely ever be able to fly again. I'll love my little runner for as long as I live now. She truly has been opening my eyes to the world of birds since I first got her.

 

[Scott]

Thank you everyone for the warm thoughts and various links to check out. One of the hardest parts of this process is knowing what she might go through. I want to believe she'll keep fighting as long as she's able, but how much suffering is she going to be going through during that fight? Another was a personal promise to help her back to the point where she'd be able to fly again after her botched wing clipping when I first got her and the knowledge, now, that she will very unlikely ever be able to fly again. I'll love my little runner for as long as I live now. She truly has been opening my eyes to the world of birds since I first got her.

My best advice is to give her the very best medical and personal support possible, and observe her cues. Some birds are demonstrable fighters, others give subtle clues when they are fatigued with life. A very fine line between projecting our desires and reality.

 

[Sherbert.the.Bird]

Since, the diagnosis, honestly, every day has been difficult, not physically, but emotionally. I might just be projecting and I hope I am, but Sherbert seems to have quieted down now. She used to chirp in the morning with the neighborhood birds... but now she's silent, maybe a peep here or there. This honestly scares me because I know its a sign that she's not feeling the best. I've put my heart and soul into this little bird and knowing that she might not be happy tears at me. I want to make her remaining time the most comfortable it could be and its hard knowing there's very little I can do to alleviate her sadness and illness. Thank you community for being someone I can release my emotions to and someone that understands how hard this is for me.

 

[wrench13]

I am sure Sherbert knows you are doing everything possible to help her and make the most of her time with you. She may surprise you yet ! Prayers and good thoughts are winging your way from the East Coast, I will even ask Salty to say a little bird prayer for Sherbert.

 

[itzjbean]

I am so sorry to hear of this. But you may find comfort in following Rhea's journey, she was a lovebird who had the same disease but lived a lively and amazing life even without feathers. She became famous and people sent her sweaters from all around the world. She met the love of her life bird Indi and spent her final days in love and happy.

Rhea the Naked Lovebird

 

[Sherbert.the.Bird]

I'm glad to say I believe I was projecting with my last post. Sherbert had an unusual day where she was very quiet and it scared the daylights out of me not hearing her usual chirps and whistles. Thankfully, it passed. She's currently chirping happily on one of her perches. I've become so accustomed to her sounds over the past year; I don't know what I'd do without her. There's something about little bird squeeks that can make you feel better despite anything happening around you.

 

[Inger]

She may be reacting to your emotions. [emoji170]


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[BoomBoom]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I don't have experience with PBFD but I wanted to stop by and show my support. Sending strong vibes to Sherbert. She's got a great human who takes care of her, and I'm sure she knows it.