Sick AG

[MontanaDon]

Help,
We live in Montana and have a 10 month old AG. He started falling off of his perch so we thought that it was a nail/wing problem. Took him to the Vet - non-avian but owns birds - and he clipped one wing (the other side feathures were broken) and trimmed nails. Marley - our bird - was bobbing and weaving so vet gave him B shot and an antibiotic shot. Marley a little better but got worse. We suspected Calcium deficiency so went back for blood work and a Calcium shot. We have ordered liquid calcium supplement. Improved somewhat for 2 days then went down hill. Second calcium shot yesterday. No noticeable improvement.

Marley kinda squats down, feet clenched, doesn't move about like his legs don't want to move and can not perch cause he looses his balance. When he does want to move, he places his beak on the ground for balance and slowly waddles forward. His wings sorta droop. He is also loosing weight and is down to about 400G.

This is our first bird and we live in an area with no avian vet within 400 miles. Cages are new and look good w/ no flaking power coat so have ruled out heavy metal poisining.

Any assistance would be very helpful.
Thanx,
Don

[becca623]

LafeberCares.com: Avian Veterinarian Search
Have you tried this website for an avian vet? I would really try hard to get him in to see one. I don't have any other advice but hopefully others will.
Best of luck to you and your baby!

[LovelySydney]

Oh Im so sorry to hear this. Most important thing would be getting to an avian vet. Unfortunately that sounds difficult for where you are. It sounds like your bird perhaps some neurological issue, with the bobbing and the "dizziness" (not being able to perch). Without a avian vet fully examining the bird I dont know that any of us can be any real help. Definitely look up everything you can on Google, hopefully you can come up with something. I hope your little one gets some care soon and you find out what the problem is - poor little guy, I hope its nothing serious. Please keep us posted.

[sodakat]

I live in South Dakota so I have to travel over 100 miles to an avian vet. I contacted the nearest bird rescue, in Fargo ND and asked for vet referrals. They gave me two within 4 hour driving distance of me.

I looked and there is an avian rescue in Whitehall, MT * 406-593-1150, called Montana's Parrot & Exotic Bird Sanctuary. I don't know where Whitehall is to you, but I would call and ask them what vets they use. With this information as well as the list of vets that come up when you do a search on the link that becca gave you, hopefully there will be a vet that would be willing to do at least a conference call with your vet. I believe you are in an emergency situation. Good luck.

Kathy

[Greycloud]

This is a definite emergency! Did the bloodwork show anything? You know the first thing that came to mind was heavy metal toxicity. But you said the cage was fine. How about all the toys and the metal clamps that hook the toys to the cage. Are they all stainless steel? Sounds just like a Too I had in my care from a rescue. We had to resort to handfeeding to get weight and strength back on him. He did survive. I think it is a good idea to see if an avian vet can confir with your vet. Time is of the essence!

[Winged_Victory]

Hi, I agree that your vet should consult with an avian vet about your birds condition. Balance problems sound like a possibility of heavy metal poisoning, an Xray could be done to see if there is metal present. Lack of calcium is always a thought with grey birds but you have covered that with the supplemental shot. Blood work may shed some light on what is going on, when do you get the results? What does the birds poop look like, color, consistency, etc.

If the bird were one of mine I would lower the perches and go into a hospital mode by keeping the bird warm 85.87 degrees ambient. Keep the bird well hydrated.

gary

[MontanaDon]

Thanx all. We are in hospital mode but don't have the temp that hi. UVB lamp, 40 watt clamp on lamp and blanket over 1/2 of the cage. He is eating the food that we hand raised him on. First time was forced feed but now he is eating it on his own 4-5 times a day. We are also force feeding him H2O. Toxic screening results should be in early next week. The consultation w/ an Avian vet is a real good idea. We will get on it 1st thing Monday. He still can't walk or perch and his feet are balled up. We are exercising him which he isn't fond of but he tolerates it w/ my wife. He is her baby so she gets away w/ a lot more than I can.

BTW, blood work didn't show anything way out of range. In fact his calcium was OK. We are dropping back to basic foods w/ no treats or scraps - we didn't give him that much anyway.

Will also check w/ the rescue on Monday.
Thanx again,
Don

[pippy]

Heavy-metal poisoning was the first thing I thought of too.

I do hope your little boy makes a full recovery from whatever is causing his problems. Best of luck xx

[Lisa B]

Here is one of my vets. Dr Laura Wade, ABVP
here is her consult form and phone number in case you need it.
http://www.buffalobirdnerd.com/Vette...onsultform.pdf
Dr. Laura Wade Buffalo NY, Bird Vet, Avian Specialist - About Dr. Wade** Products/Services** Hours** Directions** Forms** Contact Us* Referral Policy** Art

I would think heavy metal poisoning as well. A new cage doesnt mean its safe. It really depends on the make of the cage, and if you have to call the company for test results on the paint they use.

I would think He is too young for a stroke(feet being balled up), and neurological problems can be seen in birds with PDD.

I wish you the best of luck for a speedy recovery and wish I had more to offer.

[Winged_Victory]

If the bird were mine I would head to the health food store and purchase a bottle of aloe detox and slippery elm. They can be mixed with peanut butter, the combination is a home remedy for metal poisoning. Here is a good link to how to use the products. HolisticBird and HolisticBirds

Please make sure your bird keeps hydrated!

gary