Sick Bird Update

[BigBird]

Well we've had a long 5 days, but things are looking a bit brighter this morning. Peter has some of his attitude back, his appetite is returning and he ate some multigrain bread out of my hand this morning and Im sure I saw him walk to the other side of his cage without falling over!

We are going in for the fifth injection tonight and hopefully when I get home from work he will be even stronger. Not going to get my hopes up to high yet, but its looking promising! On Saturday I didnt think he was even going to make to Sunday, but today Im hopeful of full recovery on the horizon!

http://www.birdboard.com/forum/attac...8&d=1160561463

[Valo's Moirana]

i wish you and your birdie all the best, and the strength and energy for a quick recovery!
bee

[birdmom1]

Prayers and good thoughts for Peter coming your way. Have faith! In faith there is hope.

[BigBird]

Did a google on bird paralysis and each page opened up to "superb parrots" including this paragraph. Seems its a common problem with them just hope that Peter is a little luckier than the author of this.

Health problems
The only major problem that appears to be prevalent in this parrot is a form of paralysis which affects the legs. A quite healthy bird will appear in total good health one day and suffer this problem the next and it affects both cocks and hens. The paralysis appears at any time of the year and appears not to have any relation to handling or sexual activity, in my experience. I have had this problem affect several birds over the years and have never had one recover even with veterinary treatment. George Smith, the well known English veterinarian and author, in his book 'Love Birds and Related Parrots' states that he has had birds in his collection recover naturally from this paralysis. He writes that the paralysis was brought about by handling the birds.

This is another good article on it if anyone is interested


SPASTIC LEG PARALYSIS OF PARROTS



Spastic Leg Paralysis of Parrots is a disease that usually affects single birds amongst many in an aviary. It has also been called “Barraband paralysis” because Barraband (Superb) Parrots Polytelis swainsonii appear particularly prone to develop this condition. Similar conditions have been seen in a wider range of parrot species however, including Rainbow Lorikeets Trichoglossus haematodus and Cockatiels Nymohicus hollandicus (Cockatiel paralysis syndrome).

Spastic Leg Paralysis shows up as a sudden onset of paralysis of both legs. The degree of paralysis can vary from mild weakness with difficulty grasping the branch, to the whole limb being extended stiffly behind the bird, often with clenched toes. The birds’ general health is usually not affected and it will continue to eat well and behave in an otherwise normal way. The affected bird usually has difficulty maintaining its balance on the perch, has an unsteady (ataxic) gait and (in more severe cases) will move around the aviary floor on its hocks or by using its beak only.

While the exact cause of Spastic Leg Paralysis is unclear, many affected birds show spinal cord damage or stroke-like damage to the brain, but not all affected birds show these changes. It is now thought that a deficiency in calcium and/or vitamins A, B1,2&6, D and E may be involved, especially as a dry seed diet is notoriously lacking in these ingredients.

Treatment for affected birds includes supportive care, ensuring birds can reach food and water easily, and vitamin supplements. The latter may have to be given by injection so the aid of an avian veterinarian is often required. While some birds can recover spontaneously, the problem can recur later. Obviously, the long term diet of both the affected bird and any aviary mates needs to be modified to include more fruit, green vegetables such as spinach and other vitamin and mineral supplements.

[mizbirdy]

Thanks for the good info BigBird!

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

Hope your beautiful baby gets well soon. Crystal

[BigBird]

Petie has his appetite back and has started eating seed!! Yay!! Also getting the strength back in his legs, still cant walk properly but he is perching himself on his seed dish now rather than as a lump in the corner. Looking good!

[Valo's Moirana]

glad to hear that..... now, tell petie that he has to keep going that route!
all the best, bee

[BigBird]

Still kicking in there. Still not walking, but last night climbed up to a perch at the top of the cage and balanced there by himself. So getting stronger. Taking him back to vet tonight for another round of shots!

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

Glad he's getting better. Crystal