More of Zilla's Vet Records Obtained!!!

Getting her records from her previous owners is like pulling teeth, but I finally got them to look up ONE of the other vets they had taken her to.

This record says she was treated for "air sacculitus" 2 years ago. Had something (I can't read the word due to fax quality) removed from her right air sac and was on nebulizer treatments 3 times a day for 15 minutes each.

The vet that did this stated this could be a "chronic" issue for this bird and may require treatment for life!!!

What might this mean? Google is NOT being very helpful with information on air sacculitus!

Has anyone here dealt with air sacculitus before?

Amanda, I found this link for you:
Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Avian Respiratory Disorders Part I - Pet Birds

Air sacculitis

Air sacculitis is an infection of the air sacs. Chronic air sacculitis is common in birds. Poor blood supply to the airsacs makes removal of inhaled microorganisms very difficult by the bird's immune system. Signs of air sacculitis may be present at rest or only after flying. Coughing, wheezing, and labored repiration may be observed. Diagnosis is made by listening with a stethascope, xrays and endoscopy (looking inside a body cavity with a fiber optic instrument). Cytology (sampling of cells) and cultures may be necessary to identify the inciting bacteria, virus or fungus.

There is another respiratory disease that is common in amazon, and it is caused by vitamin A deficiency. That is more a crackling sound, but it could be wheezing as well. (My BFA had that one.)

JerseyWendy said:

Amanda, I found this link for you:
Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Avian Respiratory Disorders Part I - Pet Birds

Click to expand...

Thanks Wendy!

I think this is a chronic thing with Zilla after reading the article. There is no mucus discharge, no swelling around the eyes, I don't see any swelling on the roof of her mouth (not that she cooperates when I try to look)

She does eat seeds and pellets both, but only about 15% to 20% of her diet, the rest is fresh veggies & fruits, lots of vitamin A rich foods. I have been getting my vitamin A too, since a lot of the foods high in vitamin A she won't eat unless I am eating them, so I eat them so she will want to eat them.

She is acting better at this time, but still not "herself" so I am going to get her in as soon as I can and see what the vet thinks of this new information.

I have the heat turned up and a humidifier going for now since that's what the vet techs said they thought I should do until the doctor can see her.

Birdman666 said:

Air sacculitis

Air sacculitis is an infection of the air sacs. Chronic air sacculitis is common in birds. Poor blood supply to the airsacs makes removal of inhaled microorganisms very difficult by the bird's immune system. Signs of air sacculitis may be present at rest or only after flying. Coughing, wheezing, and labored repiration may be observed. Diagnosis is made by listening with a stethascope, xrays and endoscopy (looking inside a body cavity with a fiber optic instrument). Cytology (sampling of cells) and cultures may be necessary to identify the inciting bacteria, virus or fungus.

There is another respiratory disease that is common in amazon, and it is caused by vitamin A deficiency. That is more a crackling sound, but it could be wheezing as well. (My BFA had that one.)

Click to expand...

Thanks birdman, I will get to the bottom of this if I can. I have a great a-vet, it just seems like when Zilla is having an issue it's her day off!

Poor Zilla That doesn't sound like a very nice condition to have, the poor baby! But hopefully if the vet KNOWS what to look for, they will be able to get her on an appropriate treatment so she has fewer and less severe symptoms.