Abstract
Question #1: My lorikeet has been
having difficulty passing stool for a
long time. It moves its tail vigorously
while it is trying to pass stool. I provide
it with sunflower seeds, safflower
seeds, and baby cereal every
day. I also offer fruit three to four
times a week. I have taken it to several
veterinarians but they are not
familiar with birds. What procedures
or tests should I have them run?
L. Crimson, Hong Kong
Answer #1: Birds that have difficulty
passing stool and demonstrate
the straining that you have described
can have a number of problems. One
of the most common reasons for this
type of difficulty in defecating occurs
during egg laying. When the egg is
being delivered into the cloaca from
the oviduct, the bird will strain until
the egg has passed. Because the
colon is being displaced by the egg,
the feces cannot be delivered into the
cloaca until the egg has passed. Additionally,
potential other causes of
straining include:
• any space occupying lesion such
as a tumor can create the same problem.
• problems associated with the
thickening of the lining of the cloaca
can also cause this type of difficulty.
• any obstruction in the intestinal
tract is another reason for this type of
clinical presentation.
• the consumption of excessive
amounts of grit and gravel causing
complete or partial obstruction of
the gizzard can also cause this type of
symptomatology.
A complete physical examination,
which includes exploration of the
cloaca with an otoscope or laparoscope,
and possibly radiographic
examination, is necessary to develop
a differential diagnosis. If possible, it
would be advisable to consult with a
veterinarian who has avian experience.
Robert B. Altman, D.V.M.
Franklin Square, NY
Answer #2: I would suggest that
you find a veterinarian with experience
in treating birds. Your lorikeet
needs a proper physical examination,
including examination of the vent
(anus) and cloaca (the portion of the
intestinal, urinary, and reproductive
tracts where waste is stored before it
is passed). If no structural problem is
found, then laboratory tests for bacteria,
yeast, and parasites would be in
order. If that does not identify the
cause, radiographs (X-rays) and other
procedures would be advisable. You
should consider improving the bird's
diet. Lorikeets in nature are nectar
feeders. There are special diets that
are commercially available for these
interesting birds which are semi-solid
to liquid in consistency. This will
create more of a cleaning problem
for you but may solve the bird's difficulty
in passing its droppings.
James M. Harris, D.V.M.
Oakland, CA
Answer #3: Finding one's self in a
situation such as yours, where one
has a bird in need of veterinary care,
but a veterinarian with knowledge of
avian patients is not available, is also
a problem realized here in the States.
Probably your first step would be to
locate a veterinarian in your area that
is willing to work with you in learning
about avian medicine. The
second step would be to obtain a
European or American veterinary
publication, such as a textbook, to
aid in this process. Hopefully, the
two of you would then be better
equipped to aid your avian friend. A
complete physical examination
should be conducted first. If physical
abnormalities are noted, than those
should be addressed. If not, routine
screening tests such as blood work, a
fecal parasite examination, and
microbiological assays of the cloaca,
should be considered. Further diagnostics
might include radiographs
and an exploratory surgery. Good
luck with your lorikeet!
Amy B. Worell, D.V.M.
West Hills, CA
•
Question #2: I have a problem
with my pearllutino cockatiel. He is
alert, has good plumage, is very talkative,
has good eating habits, and is
playful. He has had a sagging eyelid,
somewhat like a Basset hound's eyes,
for a long time. I have taken him to
three different avian veterinarians
and he still is no better. He has had
three blood tests, which were all negative.
He has had cream placed in his
eye which did not help, he was on
oral Vibramycin for two months
which seemed to take some of the
sagging away but not completely,
and then he was placed on a powder
medication for eight months. The
third vet also took a swab of the eyes
and gave him a vitamin A injection.
Nothing has helped, so I have just let
it be. I notice now that he is turning
slightly more yellow. What should I
do?
H. Kaminski, Ontario, Canada
Answer #1: Lutino cockatiels are
yellow. If the yellow color is intensifying
in the feathers, it may be quite
normal. Age and diet can affect plumage.
Additives can also affect color if
given while the feathers are forming
during a moult. I wonder what the
''powder medication" was that you
gave for eight months? Regarding the
eye, the sagging eyelid might be indicative
of nerve damage secondary to
trauma. It might be appropriate to
get copies of all the records and test
results from the three veterinarians
you have consulted with in the past
and choose one of them or another
avian veterinarian to review the case
and check your bird.
James M. Harris, D.V.M.
Oakland, CA