Ballooning amazon

[Lynjupiter]

My friend has a over thrity year old DYH amazon who suddenly had this huge air filled sac on his back. The bird saw one bird vet who has us inserting a needle through the skin and letting the air out. What I do is spread my hand out over the balloon on it's back and then insert the large hollow needle between my fingers placing slight pressure on the balloon. So when the needle goes in it sounds like air being let out of a tire.

My friend got a second opinion from another bird vet who said a shunt could be placed to let the air out. The procedure is a bit pricey though and will need to redone every once in a while.

Both vets said if this is left untreated the bird will just keep getting bigger.
Just one vet thinks my friend should manually let the air from the bird and the other thinks a shunt might be in order. What ever she chooses I will be there to help her because I am just down the street.

Has anyone ever had this problem with their amazon? Pros and cons to either procedure? Or even just helpful tips for taking the air out?

Thanks,
Lynda

[skyrat]

Has either of the vets suggested what the cause might be? Has there been any suggestions as to how to permanently eliminate the buildup of air? That sounds like it would be stressful on the bird to keep having to stick it with a needle to let the air out.

[Lynjupiter]

I was not at the vet visit but I know it is something that happens with amazons for some reason or another. But I can't find much online info on it.
I have seen another amazon like it at my vet's office and so that is where she got her second opinion.

The bird did not seem to feel the needle at all. No screaming or anything. He was just mad because he had to stay in one place Once we were done he seem relieved and happy to have the hump off his back.

Lynda

[AmandaB]

Hi I'm new here so I just read your post. I've never had this problem, but have read about a few cockatiels who have had this problem. Their vet said it was a ruptured air sac and had the owners drain it as you are until it healed. Did your friends vet say anything about it healing? I just think that the shunt may be an unnecessary stress on the bird if the air sac is going to heal. Just a thought....

[Lynjupiter]

Hi Amanda,
Welcome to Birdboard. You are right. Since my last post I was able to get more questions to the vet through my friend. It is a ruptured air sac and it will heal on it's own as long as we keep draining it. Even now we do not have to puncture the bird as often as we had to to start. The shunt is for birds that have had it long term. Like when the owner's don't get it treated promptly.
Thanks for your reply
Lynda

[AmandaB]

That's good that he's doing better already! My amazon is 27, and I'd hate for that to happen to him! Good for your friend for getting him prompt treatment, and good for you for helping her out. :)

[PAPO]

I Was Wonderin Would U Have A Pic Of This ..i Never Heard Of This B4...i Have A Festive...sofar My Baby Is In Good Health;)
But Now Im A Lil Worried That This Could Happen;(

Does The Bird Have Any Breathing Issues...does He Feel And Look Like He's In Any Pain When This Thing Is On Him?
Poor Thing ;/

[Joanie Doss]

Both vets said if this is left untreated the bird will just keep getting bigger.
Just one vet thinks my friend should manually let the air from the bird and the other thinks a shunt might be in order. What ever she chooses I will be there to help her because I am just down the street.

Has anyone ever had this problem with their amazon? Pros and cons to either procedure? Or even just helpful tips for taking the air out?

Thanks,
Lynda[/quote]
**************
Yes, this does happen with birds. I have known people that hve done both and it really depends on how good a person does it manually and how at home they feel with doing it. People that are not as sure of themselves would be better off with a shunt.

Joanie Doss
The Amazing Amazons
http://www.parrothouse.com/jdoss.html