Heart Disease in CAG

[vdimattia]

I have a 7 year old CAG who was diagnosed with heart disease in March 2009. After thousands of dollars and many vet visits to have x rays, ultrasound, echo cardiograms, etc. The diagnosis remains that he has an enlarged heart that is beating 5 times too fast. The vet has conferred with everyone he can think of to help determine a safe course of medication. So far we have found that a drug called Pimobendan is effective in strengthening the beat (but not slowing it down). There are heart drugs out there for dogs and cats that will slow down the heart but no research has been done to determine dosage for a bird. The drugs are dangerous if overdosed so my vet is doing research to see if there have been any studies or case histories of successful treatment of this disease. Are there any bird owners out there that have had to deal with heart disease in their parrot, or know someone who has? I would GREATLY appreciate any info you can share. Buzzy is an amazing bird and my very best friend. Thanks! Vikki

[TonyT26]

I hope you've found the information you've been looking for. I know we all tend to over feed and without flying from tree to tree all day, they just don't get the exercise they would get in the wild, which can lead to health issues. Here is a link to an article I found on Avian heart disease, they may be able to recommend something. The BIRD Clinic - Bird Vet Dr. Larry Nemetz Avian Vet Orange CA Pet Birds

Hope this helps
Tony