Normal (advanced) aging or something else?

jbail1026

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Aug 6, 2012
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Lexington, KY
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Family bird: Yellow-Naped Amazon (George '88)
My girl: Turquoise Peachfaced lovebird (Ollie Belle, hatched 9/1/13)
Hi All! My lovebird, Orville, is about 18 years old and I feel like he's deteriorating a bit - still eating and drinking and flying a little, but I was just wanting some input from others who have cared for aging lovebirds - anything special I should be doing for him, etc.

Let's see, about a year ago, he was still flying well, but slowing down. THEN, the most awful thing happened - he swooped my beagle (as usual), but for some reason Riley jumped at him (she's NEVER done this - she is older too) and knocked him to the floor. He was uncoordinated and puffed up for days after that - we thought he wouldn't make it - but he never stopped eating and slowly recovered for the most part. He flies just short distances now - to our Amazon's cage and back - but his feathers are not as smooth as before (a little puffed out). Overall, though, he seems pretty happy. Lately he's developed a head-tilt. It's like he can't hold his head straight up anymore. He even flies with his head cocked slightly to the side. This is a new development - any thoughts on what might be wrong?

We've recently moved, but I do have a new avian vet (for the Amazon's nail trims!). I just hate the thought of someone bending his poor little neck over to get some blood. Poor buddy.

Thanks for any thoughts...Jami
 

Pedro

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Hi, sounds like your little mate has had a slight stroke.

18 years is very old for a lovie. You could get your Vet to just check him out & maybe give him something to make him more comfortable. I don't think i would put the poor little guy through any tests if he were my bird.
 

MonicaMc

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Sep 12, 2012
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There are other methods in which to take blood, although the jugular vein I feel is the best since it doesn't require anything to stop the bleeding, if done correctly.

For an older bird, it would be a good idea to get a blood panel done to make sure his organs are working correctly... The issue with his head could be eyes, ears, neck/spine or something else entirely... so the a-vet would be able to help you out best.
 
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jbail1026

jbail1026

New member
Aug 6, 2012
118
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Lexington, KY
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Family bird: Yellow-Naped Amazon (George '88)
My girl: Turquoise Peachfaced lovebird (Ollie Belle, hatched 9/1/13)
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I know. He's really closer to 19 and he never fully recovered after what was probably a hemorrhagic stroke last year when Riley hit him. My profile pic is of him just a month or so before it happened - he was still sleek and perky and pretty. Now he looks like a different bird. It's such a shame. Who knows how long he could have gone on in great health. My parents were pet sitting at the time - I know they felt horrible about the whole thing but I just wish I had been there - maybe I could have prevented it - but it's water under the bridge now. In any case, like I said, he's still a happy little guy most of the time. Just more sleeping, less flying and less control over his landings.
 
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jbail1026

jbail1026

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Family bird: Yellow-Naped Amazon (George '88)
My girl: Turquoise Peachfaced lovebird (Ollie Belle, hatched 9/1/13)
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Thanks Monica. I'll probably take him in for a check-up. I'll just hover and make sure they're extra gentle with him!
 

MeganMango

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Did he have any radiographs done when he got hit by your dog? He might have broken a bone and it could have healed up strangely. There could even be an infection. Make sure when you take him to the vet to be checked that you let them know about that incident. The blood isnt so bad if the bird is properly restrained and the vet does it right. Mango was done in like 3 seconds and barely knew what hit him.
 

Remy

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I also think it sounds stroke-like. I'm not sure there's much they can do for strokes, especially since it's been so long. I've heard acupuncture is good for strokes, but I'm not sure how easy it'd be to find an acupuncturist who does birds. Medication can help prevent future ones though. That is, if it was a stroke.

I would definitely get him a checkup though.

You must be a good parront to have a lovebird so old. :)
 
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jbail1026

jbail1026

New member
Aug 6, 2012
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Lexington, KY
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Family bird: Yellow-Naped Amazon (George '88)
My girl: Turquoise Peachfaced lovebird (Ollie Belle, hatched 9/1/13)
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The head-tilt thing is new as of the last 2 weeks - no new trauma that I'm aware of. I would like to get his ears checked out in case he has an abscess or something I'm not seeing. That is a very good point, and he doesn't seem to be in pain at all, but they are awesome at hiding that, I know. Thanks for all the input! I'll get him checked out this weekend, I hope!

He is a great little bird. I got him and his brother, Wilbur, in 1994 before their red feathers had even come in yet. Wilbur passed away about 4 years ago, but Orv just decided George the Amazon would be his new best friend and kept on going.
 

MonicaMc

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Sep 12, 2012
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Mitred Conure - Charlie 1994;
Cockatiel - Casey 2001;
Wild Caught ARN - Sylphie 2013
I know of one avian vet that does acupuncture, and did it for a blue crown conure that had no use of his legs, although this vet is in MA, which is quite the distance away!

Vetri-DMG is supposed to be a good supplement for animals with a problem of seizures. I don't know about strokes, though....
Vetri-DMGboost boosts the immune response
DMG: A Nutrient for the New Millennium


Random information that might not be very helpful... or maybe it might be?
 
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jbail1026

jbail1026

New member
Aug 6, 2012
118
Media
4
2
Lexington, KY
Parrots
Family bird: Yellow-Naped Amazon (George '88)
My girl: Turquoise Peachfaced lovebird (Ollie Belle, hatched 9/1/13)
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Update: Orville's a-vet visit went well. No lumps or bumps or infections. His bloodwork was OK - he's a little anemic but most of his chemistries look good. Diagnosis - I have an elderly lovebird who likely suffered one or more strokes, but nothing too debilitating. So we'll just keep on as we have been...Lots of naps, time out of his cage when he wants it, and plenty of chirping.
 

MeganMango

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Im so glad he is doing well! What a great mommy you are. Its so hard when they begin to age.
 

MonicaMc

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2012
7,960
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Mitred Conure - Charlie 1994;
Cockatiel - Casey 2001;
Wild Caught ARN - Sylphie 2013
A peace of mind is priceless! Glad to hear he's a-ok minus his strokes!
 

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