Hi there, we have a 6 year old pineapple green cheeks and the other night she became incredibly lethargic and almost died. We rushed her to an emergency animal hospital(where they had a avian dr). They said all they could do was sedate her and give her fluids. We said, "ok" and after a while she was alert and able to stand. We still don't know what caused this and 2 days later she seems fine. We just wonder if any of you have experienced something similar?? Thanks!!
Lethargic Pineapple
- Thread starter TracyG
- Start date
- Aug 21, 2010
- 32,673
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /
RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Quite a scare, hopefully not to be repeated!
Was the vet a certified avian vet or one with some experience and possible training? So many paths from an observation of lethargy. Fluids may mask an underlying illness that begs for diagnostics. A basic blood panel and fecal cultures would be helpful to arrive at a more definitive answer! As prey creatures, parrots are masters of projecting normalcy until seriously ill.
Was the vet a certified avian vet or one with some experience and possible training? So many paths from an observation of lethargy. Fluids may mask an underlying illness that begs for diagnostics. A basic blood panel and fecal cultures would be helpful to arrive at a more definitive answer! As prey creatures, parrots are masters of projecting normalcy until seriously ill.
Birdman666
Well-known member
- Sep 18, 2013
- 9,904
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
First of all, sedating a bird is risky so I wonder about that advice...
What frequently happens with small birds is they get some sort of toxic exposure to fumes or chemicals that we are not aware of. What probably did it was getting him out of that environment. After the air clears, the hazard is gone, so you don't know what triggered it.
OXYGEN THERAPY works better than sedating. In most cases, that's the best medicine. If your vet has an oxygen chamber to put him in, they usually perk right up.
What frequently happens with small birds is they get some sort of toxic exposure to fumes or chemicals that we are not aware of. What probably did it was getting him out of that environment. After the air clears, the hazard is gone, so you don't know what triggered it.
OXYGEN THERAPY works better than sedating. In most cases, that's the best medicine. If your vet has an oxygen chamber to put him in, they usually perk right up.
BoomBoom
Well-known member
- May 2, 2012
- 1,722
- 58
- Parrots
- Boomer (Sun Conure 9 yrs), Pewpew (Budgie 5 yrs), Ulap (Budgie 2 yrs), Eight & Kiki (Beloved Budgies, RIP)
Did they give you any ideas of what may have caused it? They gave her fluids, does that mean severe dehydration? Does she drink from an open dish or a water bottle? Water bottles often get clogged.
- Thread Starter
- Thread starter
- #5
We had no idea what caused the severe lethargy. Since the fluids worked, we also concluded that it could be dehydration. She is rarely in her cage and we really weren't paying much attention to how much she was drinking. How long does it take for a bird her size (70g) to become that dehydrated??? Btw... she drinks from an open dish.
BoomBoom
Well-known member
- May 2, 2012
- 1,722
- 58
- Parrots
- Boomer (Sun Conure 9 yrs), Pewpew (Budgie 5 yrs), Ulap (Budgie 2 yrs), Eight & Kiki (Beloved Budgies, RIP)
I'm sorry, I don't know
How is she doing today? To encourage hydration (if that is indeed the issue), try to offer other ways to interact with water besides her water dish. I sometimes hang wet brocolli or kale skewered with a BBQ stick. Some birds like to play with wet leaves.
I hope you or the vet finds out the cause of lethargy. If the current vet has no answers, perhaps another one might (not from en emergency hospital but a more regular, 'family type' practice. Just something to consider. Warm thoughts to you and your pineapple.
Skittys_Daddy
Well-known member
- Jan 6, 2014
- 2,172
- 63
- Parrots
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Neotropical Pigeon - "Skittles" (born 3/29/10)
Cockatiel - "Peaches" (1995-2015) R.I.P.
Budgie - "Sammy"
(1989-2000) R.I.P.
Budgie - "Sandy"
(1987-1989) R.I.P.
Skittles is free-flighted- rarely in his cage. He will come to me for food and fluids before going to his cage for it (though he always has it in his cage.) I routinely offer him food and water throughout the day (in addition to whats in his cage). I have noticed he will go in his cage and eat while I'm eating as well. I've gotten him off of begging for 'naughty people food'. So, I often throughout the day- as I eat or drink - I offer him some as well (of his own food and water). It seems to work. He's a little copycat.
PS, personally- I would not feel comfortable with Skittles ever being sedated unless it was for surgery or to prevent significant pain.
PS, personally- I would not feel comfortable with Skittles ever being sedated unless it was for surgery or to prevent significant pain.
- Aug 21, 2010
- 32,673
- 9,792
- Parrots
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /
RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Hopefully this was a fluke event and won't recur.
Skittys_Daddy
Well-known member
- Jan 6, 2014
- 2,172
- 63
- Parrots
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Neotropical Pigeon - "Skittles" (born 3/29/10)
Cockatiel - "Peaches" (1995-2015) R.I.P.
Budgie - "Sammy"
(1989-2000) R.I.P.
Budgie - "Sandy"
(1987-1989) R.I.P.
Glad to hear she's gotten better and keeps improving!
Hopefully, it was just a one-time thing. I'd just keep observing her daily. One of the best preventions is daily monitoring. I examine Skittles daily. Check for any issues. Best things to monitor are eating/drinking habits, weight, appearance of eyes and nares (nose) and especially droppings. Their droppings are among the best way to determine what is going on. For example, a bird who has just eaten a lot of fresh fruit, will likely have loose and discolored stools. Totally normal. Whats not normal is if they are loose and discolored with no dietary factor in place.
Hopefully, it was just a one-time thing. I'd just keep observing her daily. One of the best preventions is daily monitoring. I examine Skittles daily. Check for any issues. Best things to monitor are eating/drinking habits, weight, appearance of eyes and nares (nose) and especially droppings. Their droppings are among the best way to determine what is going on. For example, a bird who has just eaten a lot of fresh fruit, will likely have loose and discolored stools. Totally normal. Whats not normal is if they are loose and discolored with no dietary factor in place.
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