My bird vomited and the vet gave him a dexamethasone shot

Reem · Mar 2, 2016

My bird ate a single french fries and went to sleep, i woke him up the day after and noticed that vomited at night, and then he vomited again in front of me and he was feeling sluggish.

I immediately took him to the vet and she gave him a dexamethasone shot to relax his muscles and she said if he continues vomiting till tomorrow i need to give him another shot. And she said his heart rate/body temperature are normal and told me that I shouldn't give him food or anything at least 6 hours after a vomit, i did that and he was better at night he ate some cucumber "just maybe 5 bites because i don't want him to vomit again" and then he got up and went to his sunflower seed bowl and ate one then I removed it immediately. I put him to sleep and his dropping are fine but they are a bit sticky I figured because he didn't eat.

Today i woke him and he ate sunflower seeds kinda normally and he is grooming himself a lot but still feeling sluggish and tired and takes a lot of naps.

My questions are:
Is this normal? I mean is he recovering or sick?
Have you ever gave your bird a Dexamethasone shot? Is it ok?

I'm really scared I don't wanna lose him please help

plumsmum2005 · Mar 2, 2016

Hello I hope others will come on board regarding the Dexamethasone shot.
Would you describe better or take pic of poo? Is it holding together and the usual colour. The fact he's taking lots of naps indicates all is not as should be.
I am worried that you are feeding chips to your bird, is this normal occurrence?
A diet of Sunflower seeds and cucumber is not the best in helping him to get better.
I feed my RB2 for example ea day - Nutriberries, Pellets - mix of Harrisons & Totally Organics and a dish of prepared veggies or chop.
In order for him to get better he needs improved nutrition, I do not feed mine sunflower seeds at all anymore. Feel free to ask more questions if necessary.

JerseyWendy · Mar 2, 2016

I had never heard of Dexamethasone shots for parrots, so I did a quick Google search (I did NOT read the entire content, as it's very lengthy)
http://avianmedicine.net/content/uploads/2013/03/15.pdf

Dexamethasone is a VERY potent steroid, and I know it's administered to animals that are in shock. It's also an anti-inflammatory.

I would highly encourage you to feed your Cockatoo a variety of healthy, fresh foods. Please have a look at the list of foods here: http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

And while you're reading, why not have a look at some of the awesome recipes we have listed here: Parrot Food, Recipes and Diet - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

Scott · Mar 2, 2016

I hope Meme is feeling better! Not familiar with Dexamethasone, but a bit of Googling suggests it is not universally approved for parrots.

Diet is indeed critical to Meme's well being. Not sure what options are available in your area, but fresh vegetables and some fruit are needed for best nutrition. If parrot foods such as Plumsmum suggested are not retailed locally, it may be possible to order by mail. Perhaps expensive, but well worth the effort!

Hard to know if the current symptoms are recovery or illness, but a follow up with the vet may be necessary. Is the vet an avian specialist, and if not, is there one available? Parrots are definitely a specialty!

Reem · Mar 2, 2016

Thanks all for the replies. I forgot to mention that he actually stole the french fry and i don't feed him any thing unhealthy. I prepare a vegetable chop every month and put it in the fridge.

as for the pellets and the sunflower seed, Meme is very stubborn and loves his sunflower seeds, I tried many times to convert him to pellets because i really take care of his diet, but unfortunately failed. but I have not stopped trying.

I gave him his sunflower seeds because he didn't eat the pellets when he is normal so he won't eat them in this condition and i want him to regain his energy, and the cucumber because it's soft and i don't want him to eat anything that will get stuck in there and might get him to vomit again.

JerseyWendy · Mar 2, 2016

You sound like a wonderful parront!

How is Meme feeling/doing today?

Please don't give up on trying to convert him onto a better diet. Please have a look at the following link, it's helped countless members with finicky eaters.

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

Reem · Mar 2, 2016

JerseyWendy said:
You sound like a wonderful parront!

How is Meme feeling/doing today?

Please don't give up on trying to convert him onto a better diet. Please have a look at the following link, it's helped countless members with finicky eaters.
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

Thanks

He is not 100% like normal.
His energy is like 80% normal, But I can't help that I'm worried

plumsmum2005 · Mar 2, 2016

Reem said:
Thanks all for the replies. I forgot to mention that he actually stole the french fry and i don't feed him any thing unhealthy. (1) I prepare a vegetable chop every month and put it in the fridge.

as for the pellets and the sunflower seed, (2) Meme is very stubborn and loves his sunflower seeds, I tried many times to convert him to pellets because i really take care of his diet, but unfortunately failed. but I have not stopped trying.

I gave him his sunflower seeds because he didn't eat the pellets when he is normal so he won't eat them in this condition and i want him to regain his energy, and the cucumber because it's soft and i don't want him to eat anything that will get stuck in there and might get him to vomit again.

(1) You do mean the freezer and not the fridge don't you? Chop will not last that long in the fridge! If not please discard and cook and prepare fresh like now!
(2) Yes RB2's are little devils re sunflower seeds, you need to be strict, very strict. Like I said I withdrew completely, not even treats now.
(3) The poo question?
(4) Mix crushed pellets in his chop. sit with a bowl and pretend to eat some yourself when he is out - works most times.
(5) I would prepare some cooked veg (mush it) and try him on it immediately - mine like warm food so u could try that from a spoon. He needs some food inside him!
(6) Please dont be afraid to ask more questions. OK?

JerseyWendy · Mar 2, 2016

The injection he received could possibly have something to do with him not feeling well.

Keep a close eye on him, and if need be, don't hesitate to take him back, but have the doctor test him for an infection and/or other ailments, ok? I'm almost tempted to say decline another injection of the same drug....but I'm not qualified to say that.

plumsmum2005 · Mar 2, 2016

JerseyWendy said:
The injection he received could possibly have something to do with him not feeling well.

Keep a close eye on him, and if need be, don't hesitate to take him back, but have the doctor test him for an infection and/or other ailments, ok? I'm almost tempted to say decline another injection of the same drug....but I'm not qualified to say that.

Agree totally and possibly plenty of questions to be asked?

Reem · Mar 2, 2016

1- Sorry I meant freezer, please excuse my poor english I'm not a native speaker
2- I will try that once he is normal again, thank you!
3- Please keep in mind that his poo color is not ideal because sadly he still eats sunflower seeds but to me it's a little bit dark but normal.

4- Tried that but didn't work, I'm going to try it again anyways.
5- on it!

JerseyWendy · Mar 2, 2016

Again, I'm no expert, but that poop looks just fine to me.

Now for good measure, can we get a picture of Meme, please?

plumsmum2005 · Mar 2, 2016

Reem said:
1- Sorry I meant freezer, please excuse my poor english I'm not a native speaker
2- I will try that once he is normal again, thank you!
3- Please keep in mind that his poo color is not ideal because sadly he still eats sunflower seeds but to me it's a little bit dark but normal.

4- Tried that but didn't work, I'm going to try it again anyways.
5- on it!

(1) Great to hear and really not a problem. Thanks for clarification Phew!
(2) Yes RB2's are little devils re sunflower seeds, you need to be strict, very strict. Like I said I withdrew completely, not even treats now.
Very pleased to hear that
(3) The poo question? Agree looks OK too
(4) Mix crushed pellets in his chop. sit with a bowl and pretend to eat some yourself when he is out - works most times. You know what they say with RB2's try, try, and keep trying! LOL
(5) I would prepare some cooked veg (mush it) and try him on it immediately - mine like warm food so u could try that from a spoon. He needs some food inside him! Great - keep in touch!

Reem · Mar 2, 2016

JerseyWendy said:
Again, I'm no expert, but that poop looks just fine to me.

Now for good measure, can we get a picture of Meme, please?

Here's my baby boy :yellow1:

took this picture just now, for you

Jayyj · Mar 2, 2016

Galahs have a reputation for being tough to get onto a healthy diet. My guess would be is that they're conditioned in the wild to eat fatty, high energy foods but to burn off that energy through lots of activity and exercise. When kept as pets there's no way they're going to fly for miles a day looking for foraging sites but instinct still leads them to go for the fattiest food available.

I've had great success with the Harrisons Fine high potency pellets, which iintended for smaller birds but were recommended to me by another galah owner. They're much smaller than regular pellets. She also loves nutriberries which are pellet based. It's still an up hill struggle getting her to eat fresh stuff but she does at least pick at her chop mix every day.

plumsmum2005 · Mar 2, 2016

Reem said:
JerseyWendy said:

Again, I'm no expert, but that poop looks just fine to me.

Now for good measure, can we get a picture of Meme, please?

Click to expand...

Here's my baby boy took this picture just now, for you

He's a darling boy, hugs from me.
Looks great ie no weight issue which is common and unlike my porker so all good there.
For your info I have got Plum on Totally Organics Crumbled Pellets for Small Hookbills and he will also take some of Harrisons High Potency Super Fine. It's taken a while but these seem to be accepted for the moment.
Please don't hesitate to come back and ask anything OK.

plumsmum2005 · Mar 2, 2016

QUOTE=Jayyj;552904]Galahs have a reputation for being tough to get onto a healthy diet. My guess would be is that they're conditioned in the wild to eat fatty, high energy foods but to burn off that energy through lots of activity and exercise. Yes you are right, that is the case. When kept as pets there's no way they're going to fly for miles a day looking for foraging sites but instinct still leads them to go for the fattiest food available. My AV said that they would fly 50 miles just for something to eat in the wild.

I've had great success with the Harrisons Fine high potency pellets, which iintended for smaller birds but were recommended to me by another galah owner. They're much smaller than regular pellets. She also loves nutriberries which are pellet based. I can only use the Cockateil ones as wont touch Parrot ones. It's still an up hill struggle getting her to eat fresh stuff but she does at least pick at her chop mix every day. Definitely agree with that.

Scott · Mar 2, 2016

Meme is BEAUTIFUL!!!

The poop looks generally normal, allowing for the invisibility of microorganisms swimming in it! Hope he continues to improve.

JerseyWendy · Mar 2, 2016

Thank you SO much for the photo of your Meme!

He is GORGEOUS!!! :heart:

Reem · Mar 2, 2016

Scott said:
Meme is BEAUTIFUL!!!

The poop looks generally normal, allowing for the invisibility of microorganisms swimming in it! Hope he continues to improve.

Thank you! Hope so too.

My bird vomited and the vet gave him a dexamethasone shot

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Is justine actually sleeping?

Is meme eating his toy?

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