Help! The baby just had a seizure!

[savagem13]

Just entered a message about this in the help with your bird section. I'm so upset right now! Can you all advise me on what to do?

[CrazyBirdLady]

What's going on? Exactly what happened?

Did you see the seizure happen or did you find the bird on the floor?

[savagem13]

Was flying, fell to the floor--didn't hit anything. Picked him up and his head was twisted back and his feet curled up. He stayed like this for about 45 seconds, then slowly started to straighten out his toes and lift his head. Was sitting in my hand within about 1 1/2 minutes. Put him in cage and he took a 10 minute nap. Now is eating as if nothing happened.

[savagem13]

OOps--didn't see your other question. Saw him fall to the floor when he was flying.

[CrazyBirdLady]

I'd still call your vet to ask their advice; however chances are the vet might tell you to do the same thing I would do which is to just keep an eye on the little one and see if it happens again. At that point, if it happens again, call the vet and get the lovebird in to see them.

It's hard to say what might have caused it to happen and it's possible it might never happen again. Document everything.

[birdlady49]

If his feet curled up, it definitely was a seizure. That's what happened with my ringneck dove. Don't hope that it was an isolated incident. Unfortunately you're going to have to return to your avian vet. Get his calcium levels tested. That's a frequent cause of seizures and would be an easy fix.

If it's not calcium, there still are medicines that will control the seizures.

Chances are it is not contagious.

Until you get to your vet, put toweling on the bottom of the cage in case he seizures when you're not around. Lower the perches so the fall will not be a long one. You may have to clip his wings until this is resolved.

[savagem13]

Yep--head was bent back like his neck was broken, and his feet curled up. Then he slowly came to and it was like he was becoming aware of his surroundings again. Poor little guy! He also does something else a little odd--he closes one eye partway like he's squinting to see better. Only one eye.

I called my vet (certified avian specialist) and he seemed to think I should just keep and eye on him. Didn't recommend testing for anything unless the seizure recurs. Also wants me to keep a close eye on the little guy's weight.

I'm pretty sure I'll clip his wings tomorrow. Can't have him falling from the "sky" again like that or he WILL break his neck. I've decided not to take him back to the breeder. My parents have agreed to take him temporarily since they have no birds. No other pets of any kind so he'll get held a lot. But then I don't have to be as worried about him passing something on to my other birds. They'll keep an eye on him and watch for more seizures. I'll also teach them how to weigh him. But they're only 1/2 hour away so I'll be able to see him and assess him at least once a week. Even if he has some problem, as long as it's not contagious the kids and I will take him back home after a month or so and we'll love him whatever the outcome.

[savagem13]

Why won't the board let me edit a post? Wanted to add that my parents' house is much, much quieter than mine as well. They haven't got the kids, dogs, and other birds making constant noise that I have. If Minky is struggling with some issue I think the peace and calm will be better for him than the chaos.

[birdlady49]

Originally Posted by savagem13

I called my vet (certified avian specialist) and he seemed to think I should just keep and eye on him. Didn't recommend testing for anything unless the seizure recurs. Also wants me to keep a close eye on the little guy's weight.

I'm surprised your vet didn't suggest additional calcium to the diet. But maybe that would be jumping the gun. If, gawd forbid, he has another seizure, I would definitely talk to your vet about that. Yes, keep a close eye on his weight!

You may not have been able to edit your post if you came back to it several hours later.

[savagem13]

What did your seizuring dove die of?