Sick Lovebird

[BirdieMom]

Hi--I'm new here, so let me know if I am missing anything. My lovebird is 6 years old, and we've been having some issues with him.

We noticed that he was a little fluffy off and on, more tired than usual, and his droppings were liquid for 2 days. So off to the avian vet.

Good weight, color, etc. But she felt a doughy crop, and assumed he had some yeast. He had been starving the night before, so this did not sound out of the question. She did a gram stain and ordered a CBC as well.

The gram stain came back negative, including no yeast. She prescribed Nizoral ith Lactobactus (? unsure if the L one is exactly right). One drop twice a day for 21 days.

Today, the CBC came back. She said it looks mostly normal, but that his basophils are slightly elevated. She said not to worry, it just means there may have been some tissue damage.

?!?!?! Gee, that's all? Whew! Ugh.

Anyway, He is in a hospital cage at 83 - 85 degrees. He is restless in that darned cage. He seems less puffed up, but his droppings are off and on. The day after we started the Nizoral, he had a macaw sized dropping that was coarse and pale brown. They are more ormal-sized now, and seem to be getter greener.

I just feel like I am missing something. Or, rather, the vet is. Can someone tell me if all of this sounds like we're on the right track? Or not?

Thanks in advance for all the help you can give!

Brooke

[Eriisu-chan]

I'm sorry to hear about your little one... :tighthug:

Hopefully Dr Cook will see this thread soon and be able to better help you out. :agree:

[Shirley]

Is he a DNA sexed male? When you mentioned the macaw size dropping, it made me think of a female who had been sitting on eggs... but I take it there are no eggs.

It's not an eggbound female, I'm sure, or your vet would have caught that.

The temp in the incubator is good for a sick bird, but if he's restless and lively, that's usually when *I* take the bird out of the incubator, but don't do anything without consulting with your vet.

I'm sorry he's acting "off", and good for you for taking him to your avian vet.

Can you post a good detailed focused photo of him?

Thanks! And Dr. C will likely see this before too long.

[BirdieMom]

We have not had him sexed, Shirley, but his behaviors have him 95% confirmed as male with our vets and local "bird people."

He is restless. . .we put his girlfriend toy in today, and that is helping. We also hung a perch yesterday. But the vet has suggested no more than 30 min. out of the cage for now.

More info: the vet said his basophils were 8 on a scale of 0-6. She said his eosinophils were 0, making her think that there is no parasite. She believes the basophils are elevated due to tissue damage in the GI tract from a yeast infection. . .and I certainly hope she is right!

I will work on a picture. Honestly, though, he looks no different than normal. His color is great, his feathers are full and well-preened.

[CocosMomma]

Hi, Brooke - I just wanted to welcome you to our board and give you and your birdie my good wishes for a quick recovery. Hopefully Dr. C. will be checking in and be able to respond to all those big 'doctor' words that I'm amazed you can even spell!:funny: I'm leaning toward what Shirley was saying is that if he's restless in the hospital cage, I would try to get him to his regular cage in an equally warm room, if your vet approves. My birds would be very restless in that circumstance, so I can understand your little guy feeling that way. My thoughts are with him for a quick recovery - whatever it is that's bothering him. :)

[Nolan's Mom]

Hi Brooke - sorry your little guys is feeling down :( Just wanted to let you know we will be thinking about him and hoping for a speedy recovery :tighthug:

[Ellen K. Cook, DVM]

Hi Brooke-

Sorry to hear your little guy is not doing well. If you are not seeing much improvement after several days of the Nizoral, it is time for your avian veterinarian to recheck him. Some additional blood tests/x-rays may be necessary.

Is he eating? What type of diet is he on? A good way to keep tabs on a sick bird is to check his weight daily. A consistent weight loss is cause for great concern.

Unfortunately, medicine is not an exact science; we docs don't have all the answers. It sounds as if your avian veterinarian is starting off OK, but please contact her about your concerns and please take your bird in for a recheck exam. Keep us posted.

[BirdieMom]

Thank you everyone, especially Dr. Cook, for your help!

Dr. Cook, he was eating like a madman, but is eating more normal amounts now. His droppings have improved dramatically as well, and he has so much more energy! He is on Harrison's lifetime.

We have been taking him out for half-hour intervals. Any thoughts on when we can transfer him back to a regular cage in 68-70 degrees? He hates the hospital cage!:) But I know how much good it does him. . .

Please let me know if there is anything else I should be doing. And thanks again for being there!

Brooke