Help please -my lovebird has internal bleeding

[roxyr]

Hi, I have a 7 yr. old peach-faced lovebird, and he's been having internal bleeding episodes 3 times so far.

It manifests itself through aggressive bleeding seen in his droppings, first red blood and then really dark, digested blood. First 2 episodes occurred at intervals of 1-2 years, and now the last time it happened a month ago and again 3 weeks later. Vet bills are exceeding $1,500 each time this happens, and no exact cause has been identified. Each time he barely made it, and last time he received a blood transfusion, it's a miracle so far. But on Christmas Eve he started bleeding again only 3 weeks after the transfusion, and he is still at the vet's now. I cannot take him home because this can happen again at any time.

We found out 3 things so far:
1. an ultrasound identified a potential small ulcer;

2. x-rays showed a small object is shown in his stomach. 2 years ago another x-ray also showed an object, but we are not sure if it is the same one now or a newly swallowed one. If this is potentitally moving around, perhaps it caused a lesion.

3. now on top of everything a rod of megabacteria was identified in his droppings. This worries me immensly. I do not have any other birds, and thru research I found out that contamination with macrobacteria happens thru ingestion of contaminated feces. So could he have contacted this at the vet's?

Now we have 2 serious problems on our hands in between the internal bleeding and the megabacteria. We're looking at it as 2 separate incidents, but not sure if there is a correlation in between the 2. The other times he's bled no yeast or bacteria has been identified.

So in between a potential ulcer and thie object moving around and causing the bleeding no answer has been identified. I live in Vancouver, BC and have a very good avian vet, but we need to pinpoint this.

Please, if you've had any experience with this or have any ideas on how we can determine the cause of internal bleeding, please let me know. I am desperate to find an answer.

I suggested perhaps giving him a coating agent regularly after recovery that would hopefully prevent the ulcer relapse, if that is the cause.

[Lisa B]

I'm sorry to hear of this. I do not have any experience with either, but do know there have been posts on Megabacterias here on BB. If you use the search feature, you will come up with what has been discussed.
also here is some info for you.........
The Grey Roost

I hope you are able to cure him soon.

[jenseits]

I'm so sorry for all your terrible luck and the pain your baby is in. I have no advice or expertise to offer... only condolences. I'm crossing my fingers for a speedy recovery!

[shosh]

I am so sorry this is happening to you and your lovie...I have no answers...just my deepest sympathies.
Your lovebird is going through an awful lot....a lot of pain and stress for something that seems quite serious and is recurring and is obviously debilitating......just not fair.
If he can't come home because this may happen again at any time, what has the vet given as a prognosis? Is this what his life will be like from here on in? Is there light at the end of this tunnel? What has he suggested with regards to treatment?
I'm sure this is exhausting and frustrating for you....none of us want to see our friends suffer! I hope you find an answer soon.....

[roxyr]

Thank you. I'm hoping the megabacteria will be cured having that it's been identified so early on. Four days prior to the last bleeding episode he had a control and everything seemed fine. My biggest concern is the bleeding and not being able to identify its source. It happens out of nowhere with no sign, no change in his behaviour or in his energy level.
He is the happiest and most loving little bird, so full of energy and so strong.

I have been trying to find more info on ulcers but haven't really been able to. If it is the ulcer causing all this, I'm thinking that maybe administering barium periodically could help.

[shosh]

Have you tried homeopathy?
I know it worked wonders on my cats but I'm not sure what you can do with birds or if there is a homeopathic vet in your vicinity who treats birds?
Probably as specialized as an avian vet and they are hard ENOUGH to find....
Just thinking that if there is no answer medically, it might be something to pursue????